Iowa City to develop bike master plan

IOWA CITY - Iowa City announced its plans Wednesday to develop a bicycle master plan.

The city is asking for consulting firms to submit proposals that show how they would develop a plan that identifies strategies for increasing bicycle ridership and safety, according to a proposal document. The plan also should include a 'framework for expanding Iowa City's bicycle network” and outline steps to achieve a Bicycle Friendly Community Gold Award, the document says.

'The bike master plan is just one way to further our commitment to be a bike-friendly community and moving toward that gold friendly designation,” said Kent Ralston, the city's transportation planner.

The League of American Bicyclists ranks cities, states, universities and businesses for their bike-friendly status. The best receive bronze, silver, gold, platinum or diamond designation. Iowa City has a silver designation, making it the highest-ranked city in Iowa, and the University of Iowa also has a silver ranking.

Improving a ranking requires various steps, such as introducing bike-friendly ordinances, increase public education and reduce bike fatalities and crashes, according to the organization's Bicycle Friendly Community recognition award chart.

'It's very important to Iowa City that we become bike friendly and maintain our status if not improve it,” Ralston said.

Brian Loring, the founder of Think Bicycles of Johnson County, said that while Iowa City has made gains, the city needs to enhance bike safety. He said he hopes the master plan will address on-street accommodations, such as bike lanes.

'It's really just important to create an atmosphere where people just getting into cycling feel comfortable,” Loring said.

The city has 3.5 miles of bike lanes and another 2.5 miles of shared-lane markings on roadways.

Ralston said the master plan's short-term goals, those that can be implemented in six to 12 months, should include small changes such as improving pavement markings on the roadway. He said the long-term goals should focus on infrastructure such as widening streets and constructing trails.

An estimated 3 percent of the city's downtyown commuters do so by bike.

'Ultimately, we want to see a community where the easy choice is the safe choice and the healthy choice,” Loring said.

Consulting firms have until the end of August to submit proposals to the city.