Proposed Pathway Policy

The proposed Pathway Policy creates the opportunity for ACHD to require developers to build a minimum 10-foot multi-use pathway along major roads in lieu of sidewalks and on-street bike lanes. This new strategy provides flexibility for ACHD staff to ensure appropriate transportation facilities are provided adjacent to new developments.

Additionally, the proposed policy encourages greater use of landscaping and trees adjacent to a roadway to make for a safer environment for all.

Proposal Highlights

• Focuses on arterials and collectors only
• Defines pedestrian facility as multi-use path or sidewalk and connects to Idaho law
• Incorporates minimum 10’ multi-use pathways as a possible requirement in lieu of sidewalks and bike lanes. Grants staff discretion on required facilities based on site-specific conditions.
• Allows reduced pavement width when the pathway is installed.
• Requires multi-use pathway to be built with an 8’ buffer.
• Updates right-of-way preservation widths to match Master Street Map.
• Incorporates pathway offsets at intersections.
• Provides guidance for pedestrian access routes through medians.
• Sets the default design speed for collectors as 25 mph, unless site-specific conditions warrant up to 30 mph as determined by the Traffic Engineering Supervisor.
• Adds design speed language for arterials, indicating target speed.
• Clarifies language regarding “meandering” sidewalks.
• Adds language regarding opportunity for modified street sections, including removing the center turn lane or modifying lane widths, to accommodate pathway and buffer widths or where no driveways/intersections are present.