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Land-of-Sky Regional Council Southwestern Rural Planning Organization

Land-of-Sky Regional Council Southwestern Rural Planning Organization. Why Plan for Bicycling?. Economic Benefit The bicycling industry contributes $ 133 billion annually to the US economy Annual spending by bike travelers is estimated at $ 46.9 billion

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Land-of-Sky Regional Council Southwestern Rural Planning Organization

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  1. Land-of-Sky Regional Council Southwestern Rural Planning Organization

  2. Why Plan for Bicycling? Economic Benefit The bicycling industry contributes $133 billion annually to the US economy Annual spending by bike travelers is estimated at $46.9 billion Source: Outdoor Industry Foundation, “The Active Outdoor Recreation Economy,” 2006 http://www.outdoorfoundation.org/research.recreation.bicycling.html

  3. Bicycling and the Economy Jobs & New Businesses Sierra Nevada, New Belgium, Oskar Blues • 300 jobs • $250+ million in investment • Unique quality of life • Small-town vibe • Bike-centric culture • Incredible recreational opportunities Source: The Revivalist, http://therevivalist.info/sierra-nevada-asheville/ accessed May 29, 2012 New Belgium.com

  4. Bicycling and the Economy Tourism, Local Businesses, Residents: • 240 +/- mapped rides with Blue Ridge Bicycle Club • 30+ Organized Events bringing in thousands of riders to the area. • Road Races • Mountain Bike Races • Group Rides • Festivals/Events Indirect Benefits: ($$) • Hotel • Restaurants • Retail • Tourism • Music & Cultural Events Source: Oskar Blues Brewery website

  5. Health & Safety Health Costs are rising: • 57% of all North Carolinians are overweight or obese • 20% of children are overweight or obese • NC taxpayers pay $2.1 billion annually for obesity-related medical expenses Safety: In 7 county area between 2006-2011: • 157 Bicycle Crashes • 4 Fatalities • 50% reduction in crashes if separate bicycles from vehicles Sources: Research Triangle Institute; NCDOT; http://www.cdc.gov

  6. Blue Ridge Bike Planning Region • Counties: • Swain • Jackson • Haywood • Madison • Buncombe • Henderson • Transylvania • Qualla Boundary • Partners: • State Bicycle Committee • Advocacy Groups • FBRMPO • LOSRPO • SRPO

  7. How was the Plan Developed? • Health • Environment This is a Transportation Improvement Plan • Non-binding plan • Identifies priority corridors at County and Regional scale • Include bicycle facilities to improve safety and mobility for greater economic benefit Developed by: • Public Sessions, Technical Experts, Local Government Staff, and NCDOT • Vision, Goals, Strategies form the 5 Themes: • Safety • Mobility • Economic Development

  8. Steering Committee Public Participation Interested Citizens Advocacy Groups Provide Critical Information Steering Committee Tribal, State, County, Municipal, and Advocacy Groups Voting Members Corridor Prioritization • Steering Committee Composition • Local Government Staff • County appointees • Business representatives • State Bicycling Committee representative • MPO/RPO staff

  9. Public Participation • Surveys • Initial Public Survey, 460 Respondents • Regional Corridors, 44 Respondents • Policy Questionnaire, 23 Respondents • Steering Committee Meetings • 6 Meetings • Stakeholder Meetings • 5 Meetings • Round 1 – Community Input Sessions • 7 Meetings, 100 Participants • 3 Events • Round 2 – Community Input Sessions • 9 Meetings, 120 Participants • 7 Small Group Meetings

  10. Themes

  11. Timeline

  12. Bicycle Facilities Facilities: Greenways Bike lanes Buffered bike lanes Marked lanes (Sharrows) Bikeable shoulder in rural areas Flashing signs to alert drivers of cyclist presence

  13. Corridor Priorities • County Priorities • Connect Businesses, Schools, Neighborhoods • Improve Economic Opportunities • Improve Safety for Cars and Bicyclists • Most likely traveled by Commuters (more level, direct routes) • Regional Priorities • Connect Communities • Improve Economic Opportunities • Improve Safety for Cars and Bicyclists

  14. County Priority Corridors

  15. Priority Corridors: County & Regional

  16. www.BRBP.org For Comments Contact: Erica Anderson, AICP erica@landofsky.org Blue Ridge Bike Plan

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