MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL
MERCED COUNTY
REGIONAL ACTIVE
TRANSPORTATION PLAN
City Council Meeting — June 3, 2024
Jonnie Lan, AICP , Principal Planner
ACTIVE
TRANSPORTATION
Active transportation refers to “human-
powered” modes of travel, like walking,
biking, or using mobility devices.
Active
Transportation
Plan
An ATP focuses on increasing
access to active modes of
transportation, through
planning for infrastructure as
well as supportive programs.
Recent
Active Transportation Actions
in Merced
- 2009 the Bicycle Advisory Commission
(BAC) later renamed Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Commission(BPAC ) formed to
advise the City Council.
- 2013 Bicycle Transportation Plan Adopted.
- 2019 Bicycle Transportation Plan replaced
by the Active Transportation and Safe -
Routes -to-School Plan.
- 2023 Current ATP begun with MCAG.
- April 2024, MCAG Board adopts current
ATP.
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
CONSIDERATIONS:
• Received Community Feedback
(including the BPAC)
• Received Staff Feedback
• Identified Low -Stress Options
• Identified Gaps in the Network
• Identified Destinations that Needed to be Linked
ATP Development Phases
2. Project Development
• Drafted proposed projects
and solutions.
• Prioritized based on
community and agency
needs.
• Sought more community
feedback and engagement.
1. Existing Conditions
• Documenting the current
experience of walking and
biking across Merced.
• Reviewing previous efforts
and plans from local
jurisdictions.
• Community outreach and
engagement.
Active Transportation Plan
• Will Create paths towards
implementation
• Sets the City up to pursue
grant funding
Project Map
Includes both new and
upgraded facilities.
ATP Projects
• Proposes 68 projects throughout
Merced
• Network improvements: Approx. $121M
• Specific spot improvements: $15.6M -
includes proposed Parsons Bridge
• Total Project estimate $136.6M
• Projects have been flagged in the ATP
Checklist for importance
Bicycle Facilities Toolbox
Class III - Bike Route
Class II - Bike Lane
Class IV - Separated Bike Lane
Possible Low-Stress Facilities
Class IIIB - Bike Boulevard
Class IIB -Buffered Bike Lane
Class I - Shared-Use Path
Pedestrian Facilities Toolbox
Sidewalk Crosswalk Rectangular Rapid
Flashing Beacon
Curb Extension Leading Pedestrian Interval Pedestrian-Hybrid Beacon Non-Engineering
Countermeasures
• Education
• Routine Maintenance
• Policy Changes (ex:
speed limit
modification)
• Targeted Enforcement
• Pilot Project
Demonstrations
ATP Projects Next Steps For Staff
• Develop an implementation plan.
• Integrate recommended projects into the annual Capital Improvement Plan and budget.
• Seek other funding sources for project implementation, including grants.
• Look at policies to update based on ATP suggestions.
• Transfer policies and plans to Updated General Plan Circulation Element.
Previous ATP Consideration
MCAG Board: April 18, 2024, Board voted to approve and adopt ATP .
BPAC: April 23, 2024, BPAC voted to recommend the City Council adopt the Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional Active Transportation.
Condition: the ways to and area around the High-Speed Rail Station be re-evaluated to support active transportation use and connections.
Action:
Adopt Resolution 2024-60 Approving the
Multi-Jurisdictional Merced County Regional
Active Transportation Plan.
Approve Environmental Review#24-18
Statutory Exemption Per Section 15262 CEQA.
Condition: Re-evaluate the active
transportation connections to and area around
the High-Speed Rail Station to be more
supportive of active transportation use.
QUESTIONS?