By Matt Roy, Independent Newsmedia

County officials ask Sun Citians to help craft a new transportation plan.

Maricopa County Department of Transportation representatives shared information about the agency’s active transportation plan at the Roads, Traffic and Safety Forum April 26 at PORA, 19815 W. Camino del Sol, Sun City West.

“I need to know from you what you want for us to do,” said Reed Kempton, a senior planner at MCDOT, who is an avid cyclist. “This plan will supersede the 1999 MCDOT bike plan.”

The plan will focus on human powered modes of transportation — walk, bike, bus — and how MCDOT officials can help increase access to those modes in communities throughout the county. With input from the community, planners aim to eliminate gaps in access to services in the Sun Cities and elsewhere, Mr. Kempton said.

“We’re looking for gaps,” he said.

The county adopted its Bicycle Transportation System Plan in May 1999, which identified 479 projects. Of those, only 161 are complete. The Valley has more than 5,000 miles of bikeways, according to Mr. Kempton.

To devise the new plan, officials will identify areas needing improvement, such as places where trails cross roadways.

“We’re not going to go out and build trails but we’re looking at where trails cross our roads,” Mr. Kempton said.

Roadway crossings can be improved in a variety of ways, including adding crosswalks, curb extensions, pedestrian refuges, raised crosswalks and pedestrian beacons. To improve the county’s compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, planners will also look for areas to add or improve curb ramps, sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic signals and traffic islands.

The county has 1,291 miles of sidewalks, only 20 percent of which are wider than four feet, which is inadequate for shared use. In such areas, the county will look to widen sidewalks or add widened stretches to allow for passing. Among unincorporated county islands, Sun City and Sun City West account for 33 percent and 25 percent, respectively, of sidewalk mileage, according to data presented by MCDOT officials.

Although some residents who attended the PORA meeting raised issues about golf car safety in the community, MCDOT Transportation Systems Planning Branch Manager Denise Lacey clarified the purpose of their current effort.

“At this time, golf carts are not a consideration. We are hearing your concerns but don’t have a solution,” Ms. Lacey said. “We will be looking into it.”

Public input sought

To identify areas for inclusion in the plan, MCDOT officials launched an interactive website, www.gis.maricopa.gov/atp, which features an interactive map. Visitors can zoom in and post comments or upload photos to point out ideas for improvements at specific locations in the community.

Meanwhile, county officials continue their public presentations with another scheduled at the Roads and Safety Committee Meeting 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 17 at SCHOA, 10401 W. Coggins Drive, Sun City.

Jim Powell, SCHOA board member and Roads and Safety Committee chairman, anticipates learning more about the county’s new program and stressed the importance of public attendance at such events.

“I think because it affects our community, we like to know what they are involved in and what they’re anticipating,” Mr. Powell said. “I am looking forward to that information, absolutely.”