Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment 8_4_14.compressed

Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment Author: Ross Peizer, Dunes City Assistant Planner Intern/University of Oregon Master of Community and Regional Planning Candidate Project Supervisor: Fred Hilden, City Administrator

August 2014

08 Fall

Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment i

Acknowledgments This document and project would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of the Dunes City staff, City Council and Road Commission. Special thanks to City Administrator Fred Hilden and Dunes City staff including Renee Green, Linda Stevens, Laurale Lorentzen and Rapunzel Oberholtzer for their diligence to keep the project going. Thanks to Mayor Rebecca Ruede, City Council President Jamie Mills, City Councilor and Road Commission Chair Maurice Sanders, Road Commissioner Jerry Curran and Public Works Director Gary Baker for their involvement and insight throughout the process. Thanks to University of Oregon professor Bob Parker for his advice and expertise. Thanks to Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) and Public Works staff Jacob Callister and Sarah Wilkinson for their responsiveness and providing informational sources. Lastly and most importantly, thanks to the community of Dunes City and all stakeholders and visitors for their honest feedback throughout the public outreach process. This project would not have been possible without their involvement. Bicycle and pedestrian silhouettes source: bikeportland.org and clipartbest.com Unless noted all other images belong to Ross Peizer

ii Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment

Table of Contents

Executive Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1

Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 2

Dunes City Profile and Current Conditions .............................................................................. 3 Demographic Information ..................................................................................................................................................... 3 Inventory of Roads .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Crash Data ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Current Bicycling and Walking Conditions ..................................................................................................................... 6 Photos of Current Bicycling and Walking Conditions ................................................................................................. 7

Public Outreach ...................................................................................................................... 9 Methodology ................................................................................................................................................................................ 9 Limitations ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Survey Results .......................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Walking Results ........................................................................................................................................................................ 11 Bicycling Results ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12

Key Findings .............................................................................................................................................................................. 14 Conclusion and Recommendations ....................................................................................... 16 Examples of Recommended Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities ........................................................................... 18

Next Steps ............................................................................................................................ 19

References ........................................................................................................................... 20

Appendix ................................................................................................................................ a Appendix A: Bicycling Rates from 1995-‐2009 by Age Demographic .................................................................. a Appendix B: Initial Survey Invitation and Follow Up E-‐mail .................................................................................. b Appendix C: Complete Survey Results ............................................................................................................................... c Appendix D: Comments from Visitors and Residents at the Triathlon Booth .................................................. t Appendix E: Survey Tool ........................................................................................................................................................ u

Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment 1

Executive Summary The following Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment outlines the process of the Needs Assessment, discusses current conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians and provides recommendations and next steps for a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for Dunes City based on the results of the Needs Assessment. Dunes City’s median age according to the US Census is approximately 60 years old. Bicycling rates between 1995-‐2009 have actually increased the most amongst ages 40-‐79 years old according to National Household Travel Survey data. Walking and bicycling allow the freedom of mobility for anyone, including children who are not old enough to drive and those too old to drive. Dunes City’s major connector streets include Highway 101, Clear Lake Road and Canary Road. These three streets have shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians but are not the most inviting places to walk and bicycle with posted automobile speeds ranging from 40-‐55 MPH. Still the majority of Needs Assessment survey respondents said they walk and bicycle on Clear Lake Road and Canary Road. Respondents who walk said they felt safe to very safe walking on the roads in Dunes City but bicycle respondents were more divided on how safe they felt bicycling around Dunes City. Overall, based on the Needs Assessment survey, people who walk and bicycle in Dunes City do so for recreation including exercise and walking their dogs. Both pedestrians and bicyclists were clear that off street paths and walkways would encourage them to walk and bicycle more often. Therefore, recommendations include:

• Pursuing the feasibility of an off street path between Westlake and North beach, possibly along Siltcoos Lake. This alignment was recommended by several survey respondents and referred to as Chet’s Trail by some respondents.

• Better connecting Honeyman State Park along the Canary Road bridges for bicyclists and pedestrians.

• Pursuing the feasibility of connecting the road between Foothill Drive in Westlake to South Pioneer Road in the Darlings/North Beach neighborhood. This connection would allow cars, bicyclists and pedestrians to get around Dunes City without using Highway 101.

• Researching the feasibility of a trail or extended boardwalk from Dunes City Hall/Visitor’s Center along the Siltcoos River connecting to Hemlock Street. This type of a walkway or infrastructure would be an amenity for residents and visitors alike and would be supported based on the Needs Assessment survey.

Next steps include examining taxlots, land use and wetlands in the area between Westlake and North Beach and along the Siltcoos River to determine the feasibility of different trail alignments. Further research into the feasibility of connecting Foothill Drive and South Pioneer Road involves talking to LCOG and a surveyor. It will take coordination with Honeyman State Park and LCOG to determine the feasibility of improving the bridge connections along Canary Road.

2 Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment

Introduction Bicycling and walking are two of the oldest forms of transportation and recreation. Walking and bicycling for transportation and recreation are also excellent forms of daily exercise and are proven to prolong life (Plas 2013). Bicycling and walking not only promote physical health but also benefit the environment. Every trip taken by foot or bicycle is one less trip taken by automobile. Cities across the world and country are realizing these benefits and planning for a multi-‐modal transportation system that provides several options for getting around including bicycling, walking and public transportation. Nationally, younger generations are getting their driver’s licenses later in life and prefer getting around by alternative means instead of the single occupancy vehicle (AAA 2013). Similarly, older generations who can no longer operate a vehicle are realizing a transportation system that allows them to walk, take public transportation or even bicycle provides them the freedom of mobility to which they had become accustomed. Data from the National Household Travel Survey shows that bicycling rates between 1995-‐2009 have actually increased the most amongst ages 40-‐79 years old (Andersen 2014). See Appendix A. Land use is closely related to transportation because if places are too spread out and auto centric, it makes getting around by foot or bicycle more difficult. Dunes City has already taken the proactive step in adopting their Master Transportation Plan (MTP) that develops a future plan for the roads within Dunes City. The MTP is outlined as a policy line item in the Transportation Section of the Dunes City Comprehensive Plan and complies with the Oregon Transportation Rule, which specifies reducing private automobile trips and encouraging the use of other transportation modes. The MTP Chapter 4 Beyond Roads specifies more benefits to walking and bicycling and next steps including a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. The first step to a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for Dunes City is this Needs Assessment, with the goal to gauge the level of support for bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Dunes City and where these facilities might go. Dunes City is unique in the layout and needs of its residents and the solutions of other cities will not necessarily apply to Dunes City. However, no matter how big or small the facilities are, a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will guide Dunes City it its own long term vision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities for residents and visitors alike.


Dunes City Profile and Current Conditions The following section lists and analyzes current conditions that impact bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Dunes City. This includes demographic trends involving population, age, housing and ethnicity. An inventory of the roads, speed limits, average daily traffic and crash data help get a sense of the current conditions. Lastly, a visual audit of the current bicycle and pedestrian facilities provides a snapshot of the current landscape for bicycling and walking in and around Dunes City.

Demographic Information The tables in this section display demographic information about Dunes City including trends and projections that can affect bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Dunes City has a median age of 59.9 as seen in Table 1. The percent change from 2000-‐2010 was highest in the 65+ age group, at 36.6% or 123 people, as seen in Table 2. Table 3 shows the 20-‐year coordinated population forecast for Dunes City and Lane County, which predicts both Dunes City and Lane County to grow by 25% by 2035 or 1% per year. This equates to 366 more residents in Dunes City by 2035. Tables 4 and 5 display housing and race and ethnicity trends in Dunes City. Dunes City’s housing stock remained majority owner occupied between 2000 and 2010. Seasonal, recreational or occasional use housing did increase by 4.3% or 56 homes. Dunes City remains primarily White but did see a slight increase in Hispanic or Latino populations. This is an important trend to watch as minority populations sometimes have different priorities for bicycle, pedestrian and park facilities. Table 1. Community Information, Dunes City Median Age 59.9 Population 1,321 Educational Attainment 95.3% high school graduate or higher Housing Units 859 Median Household Income $43, 669 Individuals Below Poverty Level 12.0% Source: 2008-‐2012 American Community Survey 5-‐Year Estimates and 2013 Population Estimates.

Table 2. Gender and Age Distribution, Dunes City 2000 and 2010

Gender/Age

2010

Population

2000

Population

Population Change

Percent Change (Period)

Percent Change (Annual)

Total Male 658 611 47 7.7% 0.8% Total Female 645 630 15 2.4% 0.2% Total Population 1,303 1,241 62 5.0% 0.5% Under 5 36 27 9 33.3% 3.3% 5-‐19 156 198 -‐42 -‐21.2% -‐2.1% 20-‐64 649 677 -‐28 -‐4.1% -‐0.4% 65+ 462 339 123 36.3% 3.6% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 and 2010 Summary File (SF 1) 100-‐Percent Data


Table 3. 20-‐Year Coordinated Population Forecasts for Dunes City and Lane County

2010 Population

2035

Population

Population Change

Percent Change (Period)

Percent Change (Annual)

Ratio Dunes City

1,457 1,823 366 25% 1% 0.4%

Lane County

349,505 435,615 86,110 25% 1% 0.4%

Source: Lane County Rural Comprehensive Plan, Part 1

Table 4. Housing Units, Dunes City 2000 and 2010 Number Percent 2000 2010 Change 2000 2010 Change

Owner-‐Occupied Housing Units 482 524 42 86.4% 86% -‐0.4% Renter-‐Occupied Housing Units 76 85 9 13.6% 14% 0.4% For Seasonal, Recreational, Or Occasional Use

98 154 56 13.9% 18.2% 4.3%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Summary File (SF 1) 100-‐Percent Data and 2010 Demographic Profile Data

Table 5. Race and Ethnicity, Dunes City 2000 and 2010 Number Percent 2000 2010 Change 2000 2010 Change

White 1,204 1,243 39 97% 95.4% -‐1.6% Black or African American 1 3 2 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native

17 9 -‐8 1.4% 0.7% -‐0.7%

Asian 6 9 3 0.5% 0.7% 0.2% Hispanic or Latino (of any race)

15 22 7 1.2% 1.7% 0.5%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Summary File (SF 1) 100-‐Percent Data and 2010 Demographic Profile Data


Inventory of Roads The following outlines information on the roads in Dunes City. The inventory shows the higher speed limits on Highway 101, Clear Lake Road and Canary Road compared to the other roads. Vehicle speeds of over 25 mph can be intimidating to bicyclists and pedestrians. The average daily traffic counts on the roads are lower than 3,000, which is good for the comfort of bicyclists and pedestrians. The information is sourced from the Dunes City MTP, Lane County GIS data and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). The following inventory includes each road’s functional classification (ODOT and MTP), speed limits (Lane County GIS/Google Maps), and existing automobile average daily traffic counts taken in 2007 in multiple locations along the roadway explaining the ranges (Lane County GIS). More information and definitions of functional classifications can be found in Chapter 3 of the Dunes City MTP. Also worth noting, Sarah Wilkinson, Associate Planner with Lane County Public Works reported she is not aware of any upcoming Lane County plans for their roads in Dunes City. Table 6. Interstate – US and Oregon Route and National Highway System Route Name of Road Functional

Classification Average Daily Traffic Speed Limit (MPH)

Highway 101 Principal Arterial N/A 45-‐55 Table 7. Lane County Roads Name of Road Functional

Classification Average Daily Traffic Speed Limit (MPH)

Clear Lake Road Major Collector 750-‐1,350 45 Canary Road Major Collector 1,850-‐2,400 40 Pacific Avenue Minor Collector 650 25 Darlings Loop Local Road 80-‐250 25 Lake Boulevard Local Road N/A 15-‐25 Laurel Avenue Local Road 270 N/A Boy Scout Road Local Road 320 30 All other roads are identified as Minor Collectors or Local Roads and some Private Roads in the MTP and are maintained by Dunes City and individuals.


Crash Data Sarah Wilkinson with Lane County Public Works reported four crashes on Lane County’s roads in Dunes City in the last 5 years as listed below. The crashes happened on the major roads with higher posted speed limits. This indicates the minor collector and local roads are slightly safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

1.) Canary Rd MP 1.14, 3/03/2012, Fixed Object Collision, Non-‐Fatal Injury 2.) Canary Rd MP 1.36, 1/23/2012, Fixed Object Collision, Non-‐Fatal Injury 3.) Clear Lake Rd MP 3.51, 5/08/2012, Miscellaneous (Animal) Collision, Property

Damage Only 4.) Clear Lake Rd MP 2.9, 4/01/2012, Turning Movement Collision, Non-‐Fatal Injury

Current Bicycling and Walking Conditions The following section features a synopsis of current bicycling and walking conditions. The section includes pictures of the roads in and around Dunes City to also visually represent their conditions for walking and bicycling. Major connecting streets in and around Dunes City include Highway 101, Clear Lake Road and Canary Road. All of these roads have shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians but no sidewalks or protected bikeways. The bridges on Canary Road have protected pedestrian and bicycle paths on the south side. These protected paths connect to a narrow shoulder on Canary Road. Speed limits on these three streets, as noted above, range from 40-‐55 MPH. There is a pedestrian bridge over Highway 101 connecting Honeyman State Park on both sides of the highway. Honeyman State Park on the west side of Highway 101 includes signage signaling to drivers that bicyclists and pedestrians will be sharing the road. Speed limits on these roads are marked at 10 MPH. The Hilltop neighborhood in Dunes City has multiple signs signaling to drivers to drive slowly due to children playing in the street. This neighborhood also features Byrd Park and Petersdorf Park in the middle of the roadway. Local streets through the Huckleberry neighborhood are narrow and feature speed bumps to slow the speeds of automobiles. Ocean Boulevard and Lake Boulevard, in the Westlake neighborhood, feature signage that tells drivers to be aware of pedestrians and children playing. The posted speed limit is between 15-‐25 MPH on these roads. The only way to get from Westlake to the north part of Dunes City, including North Beach, Hilltop, Huckleberry and Honeyman State Park, is to go out onto Highway 101 and come back into Dunes City on Clear Lake Road or Canary Road. Foothill Drive, the only possible north-‐south connecting road from Westlake going north, is a dead end. South Pioneer Road, a possible connecting road from North Beach to Westlake also dead-‐ends.


Photos of Current Bicycling and Walking Conditions

Cyclist in the shoulder on Highway 101

Bike and pedestrian signage in Honeyman State Park

One of three bridges along Canary Road with a protected path

for pedestrians and bicyclists that does not connect on either side to any trail

Pedestrian walking over one of the Canary Road bridges in the shoulder on the opposite side of the protected path

Pedestrian walking in the shoulder on Clear Lake Road

Safety signage in the Hilltop Neighborhood


Speed bump to slow cars on local roads in Dunes City in the

Huckleberry neighborhood

Narrow local street in Dunes City

Pedestrian walkway/overlook at the end of Spruce Street by

Dunes City Hall/Visitor’s Center

Pedestrian signage along Ocean Boulevard in Westlake

Signage and speed limit along Lake Boulevard in Westlake

Dead end going north on Foothill Drive in the Westlake

neighborhood


Public Outreach In order to determine a need for bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Dunes City, it was critical to conduct public outreach to see what community members, stakeholders and visitors would like. The following section outlines the public outreach methods, limitations, results and key findings.

Methodology The public outreach strategy for the Needs Assessment consisted of:

1.) Online Survey 2.) In-‐person interactions at the 2nd annual Oregon Dunes Triathlon and Duathlon on

Saturday May 10, 2014 The survey was e-‐mailed out on May 1, 2014 and was closed 15 days later on May 16, 2014 at 5pm. A follow-‐up e-‐mail reminder was e-‐mailed on May 12, 2014. Text of the initial and follow up e-‐mails can be found in Appendix A. The survey was e-‐mailed to:

• Local Business Owners o Resort owners from the Dunes City Stay and Play Brochure o Bikes 101 bike shop in Florence

• Local Park Contacts and Stakeholders o Honeyman State Park contact o Westlake County Park contact o Camp Baker contact

• Local Leaders o Dunes City Road Commission Members o Dunes City City Council Members

• Community Members and Residents o Individuals who saw and responded to the initial Needs Assessment News

Release o Dunes City Interested Parties e-‐mail list

• Visitors o Oregon Dunes Triathlon organizers o Identified Highway 101 bike tourers

All of these e-‐mailed groups totaled 94 individuals. As seen in Appendix A, we asked everyone who received the survey link to share it with their neighbors, family, friends, visitors, customers or anyone who would like their voice heard regarding bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Dunes City. The online survey used Google Drive software, was 38 questions and took approximately 10 minutes for respondents to complete. Appendix D has the complete survey tool. At the triathlon, a Bicycle/Pedestrian Needs Assessment Booth was set up which included the following resources: hard copies of the survey, flyers with links to the online survey, a


map for people to place stickers on where they walk and bicycle and where they would like to walk and bicycle, and post-‐it notes to write comments to place on the map. Approximately three hard copy surveys were taken that day and a handful of the flyers with the survey link were distributed. The map was mostly utilized as a talking point and the staff at the booth talked to visitors and residents about bicycling and walking in Dunes City and recorded their comments, which are found in Appendix C.

Mayor Ruede and Community Members at the Needs Assessment Booth

at the Oregon Dunes Triathlon

Limitations One limitation of the online survey is households without a computer or Internet access were not included in the results. Although, a couple members of the community who do not use the Internet were at the Oregon Dunes Triathlon and completed the survey on the hard copies provided. However, this was the only opportunity for people to complete the survey by hand. The online survey was decided upon as the best option due to time constraints and budget. A mailed survey was discussed but with the logistics and expected return rate, an online survey was deemed the best approach. The online survey was not a statistically valid sample of the community. However it provides insight into how the respondents felt towards bicycle and pedestrian facilities and provides an idea of how the community might feel.


Survey Results The following section will summarize the survey results. The complete survey results can be found in Appendix B. The survey yielded 39 online responses. This means out of the 94 individuals who were e-‐mailed the survey, 41.5% took the survey. The majority of respondents were between 55-‐74 years old, live in Dunes City and do not have children under the age of 18 who live with them. This accurately reflects the age distribution of Dunes City’s population as seen in the previous Demographic Information section. Of the 13% of respondents who do have a child under 18 years old who lives with them 86% reported their children both walk and bicycle.

Walking Results When asked about walking, 77% of respondents said they walk around Dunes City and 47% of those respondents said they walk daily and another 14% walk once per week. The most popular answers to why respondents walk were exercise, followed by walking the dog. Two respondents who said they walk “to get somewhere” walk to the post office and one said they walk to Honeyman State Park. When asked about how safe they feel walking in Dunes City, 66% of respondents reported they feel safe to very safe. Respondents reported they primarily walk on Clear Lake Road, Canary Road, and in the Westlake neighborhood. Respondents reported they would like to walk to Honeyman State Park, Dunes National Recreation Area and resorts in Westlake and the North Beach area. The results for why respondents do not walk were unclear since 33% selected “other” but did not write in a reason. Weather and too far distances were tied for the second most selected reason respondents do not walk. When asked about specific infrastructure that might encourage respondents to walk more, the only clear winner was off street paths. A majority, 53%, said an off street path would likely or very likely get them to walk more, whereas 32% of respondents said off street paths would not likely or not get them to walk more. The rest of the 16% of respondents were unsure. See Figure 1.

Figure 1: Responses to question 15, types of infrastructure that would get you to walk more.

Wayfinding signage, driver education regarding pedestrians and crosswalks were all initiatives and infrastructure which respondents said would not encourage them to walk


more. Neighborhood greenways, sidewalks, and better lighting leaned towards not encouraging respondents to walk more although these three categories were close enough that if the unsure middle decided these treatments would encourage them to walk more then these three treatments would be supported by the respondent sample. When asked where respondents would like facilities, 5 said between Westlake and North Beach or around the Siltcoos Lake between these two locations including a mention of Chet’s Trail, 3 said Canary Road, 3 said they would not benefit or do not see the need, 2 said Westlake area, and 1 said Hilltop/Spruce Lane area.

Bicycling Results When asked about bicycling, 74% of respondents said they own a bicycle but 49% said they never ride their bicycle. The second and third most popular responses were 35% saying they ride a few times per year and 11% saying they ride a few times per month. For the full results see Figure 2.

Figure 2: Responses to question 18, how often do you ride a bicycle in Dunes City.

The majority of respondents ride for recreation, 83%, whereas only 4% ride to commute and 13% ride both for recreation and to commute. The results for how safe respondents felt bicycling in Dunes City were divided; 41% said they feel unsafe to very unsafe and 42% said they feel safe to very safe with 17% of respondents selecting somewhere in between the two. Similarly, when asked what are the reasons respondents do not ride, 32% said because they do not feel safe on the roads. Out of the respondents who ride, they said they ride most on Clear Lake Road, Canary Road, Highway 101 and in the Westlake neighborhood. Similarly to the walking results, respondents would like to ride to Honeyman State Park, Dunes National Recreation Area and resorts in Westlake and the North Beach area. When asked about specific infrastructure that might encourage respondents to bicycle more, the only clear winner was off street paths with 58% saying off street paths would likely or very likely get them to bicycle more. The full results can be seen in Figure 3.


Figure 3: Responses to question 25, would you ride more if there were off street paths.

When asked where respondents would like off street paths, 7 said between Westlake and North Beach in one form or another, 3 said nowhere and 2 said along Canary Road. Bicycle boulevards or neighborhood greenways were the only other treatment option that if the unsure respondents decided these treatments would encourage them to bike more would have almost half of respondents saying this treatment would encourage them to bicycle more. See detailed breakdown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Responses to question 36, would you ride more if there were neighborhood greenways. When asked where respondents would like bicycle boulevards or neighborhood greenways, 4 said nowhere, 3 said Highway 101, 2 said Westlake to North Beach, 2 said Canary Road, 2 said everywhere and 1 respondent said the Huckleberry neighborhood. All the other treatment options and initiatives mentioned and shown including on street bike lanes, shared lane markings, protected bike lanes, bicycle network maps and educational materials, driver education regarding bicyclists, places to park bicycles, better lighting, and commercial activity or recreational activity along bike routes yielded more responses saying they would not encourage them to bicycle more than those who said these options would encourage them to bicycle more.


Key Findings The public outreach conducted shows people walk more than they bicycle and feel much safer walking than bicycling on the roads in Dunes City. Off street paths would encourage more of them to walk and bicycle than any other bicycle or pedestrian facility. Connections to recreational areas including Honeyman State Park and resorts in Westlake and the North Beach area were expressed as desired destinations for walking and bicycling. There were a mix of responses to specific facilities and locations but overall the two themes that arose throughout the public outreach processes were:

1. Some type of bicycle/pedestrian trail or off street path between Westlake and North Beach possibly along Siltcoos Lake.

Base Map Source: Google Maps

Figure 5: Image showing a possible trail alignment from Westlake to North Beach.

Image also highlights others amenities to possibly connect with a trail.

North&Beach&Resort&

Westlake&

Poten2al&off&street&path&alignment&along&Siltcoos&Lake&

Petersdorf&and&Byrd&Park&

Camp&Baker&


2. Easier access to Honeyman State Park by foot or bicycle along Canary Road and the

bridges.


Figure 6: Image highlights the bridges along Canary Road, which can be improved for bicycle and pedestrian crossings. The circle and caption on the left highlights the Highway 101 pedestrian overpass to Honeyman

State Park. This connection is important to getting people to walk and bicycle to Honeyman.

Pedestrian*Overpass*from*Dunes*City*to*Honeyman*

Canary*Road*Bridges*which*could*be*more*bike/ped*friendly*


Conclusion and Recommendations Based on the results of the research and public outreach the recommendations of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment are to pursue an off street trail or path for bicycling and walking. This aligns directly with the survey results and comments. The age demographic of Dunes City is ideal for an off street path, and bike lanes or shared lane markings on the road will not encourage enough people to bicycle. The next steps include determining where a multi-‐use trail would go. The most popular survey responses incorporated:

• Between Westlake and North Beach connecting resorts, amenities and parks in both of these neighborhoods possibly along the Siltcoos Lake. This possible trail alignment was mentioned and is known to some as Chet’s Trail.

• Along Canary Road better connecting the bridges and Honeyman State Park. Based on the high response rate of people who want to walk and bicycle to recreational sites, possibly trying to connect Byrd and Petersdorf Parks in the Hilltop neighborhood to a trail between Westlake and North Beach would also be beneficial. Looking at the street grid and existing conditions a connection between Westlake and Darlings for cars and also bicycles and pedestrians would allow access throughout Dunes City without going onto Highway 101. Currently Foothill Drive coming from Westlake dead ends as seen in a photo in the Photos of Bicycling and Walking Conditions section previously. If Foothill Drive could be connected to South Pioneer Road then cars, pedestrians and bicyclists could get between all neighborhoods of Dunes City on local and county roads. A potential road connection is shown in Figure 7. This road connection could have neighborhood greenway elements including speed tables or bump outs, which would slow cars down. In the survey, neighborhood greenways were one of the treatments respondents could support if the unsure middle were convinced of their merit. This could be done though education and the treatments used could be similar to Ocean Boulevard in the Westlake neighborhood. Lastly, it was mentioned that it might be feasible to build a trail or extend the current boardwalk/overlook that starts at the end of Spruce Street by Dunes City Hall/Visitor’s Center along the Siltcoos River all the way to Hemlock Street. This type of a walkway would certainly be an amenity for residents and visitors alike and would be supported based on the Needs Assessment. A potential alignment is shown in Figure 8.



Figure 7: Showing the possibility of a road connection between Foothill Drive and South Pioneer Road.


Figure 8: Image highlighting an extended walkway/overlooks between Spruce Street and Hemlock Street along the Siltcoos River.

Dead%End%

Dead%End%

Possible%Road%Connec1on%

Dunes&City&Hall/Visitor’s&Center&

Poten4al&Siltcoos&River&Overlooks&and&Walkway&


Examples of Recommended Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities

Example of a walkway, seating and informational signage by the

Siuslaw River in Florence, OR

Example of an overlook for people to walk or bicycle to in

Florence, OR

Example of a boardwalk/walkway in Honeyman State Park

Example of a trail along a lake for pedestrians and bicyclists

(Source: gocolumbiamo.com)


Next Steps Immediate next steps include:

• Determine all alignment options for a trail between Westlake and North Beach and the feasibility of these options including zoning, taxlots, wetlands, urban growth boundary and city limits. Alignment options mentioned include:

o Chet’s Trail – Further research includes talking to LCOG and the surveyor to see what can be done with the land Chet’s Trail includes.

o Along Siltcoos Lake o Between Westlake County Park o Between Foothill Drive and South Pioneer Road o Camp Baker to Westlake

• Determine the options for connecting a Westlake to North Beach trail with Byrd and Petersdorf Parks in the Hilltop neighborhood.

• Research the feasibility of connecting the roadway between Foothill Drive to South Pioneer Road as a possible neighborhood greenway street.

• Work with Honeyman State Park and LCOG to determine options of improving the pedestrian and bicycle connections along Canary Road and the Canary Road bridges.

• Research the feasibility of an extended walkway/boardwalk along the Siltcoos River between Spruce Street and Hemlock Street.

These immediate next steps will help formulate the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. A clear vision statement and goals should be decided upon. Phasing, costs and funding of these options should also be researched for the plan.


References AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. 2013. “Timing of Driver’s License Acquisition and Reasons for Delay among Young People in the United States, 2012.” American Automobile Association Foundation. Andersen, Michael. 2014. “Bike Use is Rising Among the Young, but it is Skyrocketing Among the Old.” People for Bikes Blog, June 20. http://www.peopleforbikes.org/blog/entry/bike-‐use-‐is-‐rising-‐among-‐the-‐young-‐ but-‐it-‐is-‐skyrocketing-‐among-‐the-‐old Plas, Geert. 2013. “What are the health benefits of cycling and walking?” European Parliamentary Research Service, April 17. http://epthinktank.eu/2013/04/17/what-‐are-‐the-‐health-‐benefits-‐of-‐cycling-‐and-‐ walking/

Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment a

Appendix

Appendix A: Bicycling Rates from 1995-‐2009 by Age Demographic

Source: National Household Travel Survey and Peopleforbikes.org

Source: National Household Travel Survey and Peopleforbikes.org

b Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment

Appendix B: Initial Survey Invitation and Follow Up E-‐mail Dear Identified Stakeholders, You have been identified as stakeholders to take this survey pertaining to walking and bicycling in Dunes City. This survey is part of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment being conducted by a University of Oregon graduate student on behalf of Dunes City. This survey is a key component in determining the need for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Please take a moment to fill out the survey and then forward the link to your neighbors, family, friends or anyone who would like their voice heard regarding bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Dunes City. The survey will be open until 5pm Friday, May 16th, 2014. Plan for the survey to take 10 minutes to complete. Click on the link (or paste it in your browser) to take the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/104W-o12gaipsYehzuHuqTbbPZ_WBhiHPYIBmtooDI5c/viewform The timeline for the assessment project is April through June and the findings will be written up in a report. If you have any questions, please see Ross's contact information below. Thank you for your time. Ross Peizer Master of Community and Regional Planning Candidate, 2015 University of Oregon (206) 719-4440 (cell) [email protected] Dear Dunes City Stakeholders, This is a friendly reminder to please complete the Bicycle/Pedestrian Needs Assessment Survey if you have not already. The survey will close this Friday May 16th at 5pm. If you have already taken the survey, thank you for your time. After you take the survey please share the link with your neighbors, friends and family. Here is the link to the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/104W-o12gaipsYehzuHuqTbbPZ_WBhiHPYIBmtooDI5c/viewform Thanks again and let me know if you have any questions. Best, Ross Ross Peizer Master of Community and Regional Planning Candidate, 2015 University of Oregon (206) 719-4440 (cell) [email protected]

Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment c

Appendix C: Complete Survey Results Note: All comments are reproduced here as submitted, without edits. On 1-‐5 scales, 1 is “very unsafe” and 5 is “very safe.” 1.

2.

3.

d Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment

4.

5.

6.

Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment e

7. And 8.

If you answered, "To get somewhere" above, please specify where. Post office marina work Facilities Just to do things--visit neighbors, clean the streets, etc. (There no stores in DC) friends house Honeyman Park post office 9.

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10.

11.

12.

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13. and 14.

Where would you like to see neighborhood greenways in Dunes City? Unsure No, to expensive, we're not Portland no where Not sure how to answer this...I don't know Do not think there is a need n/a NO PLACE I would NOT Nowhere! none westlake to n beach No place Canary Road, Hwy 101 between Darlings and Westlake Everywhere.

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15.

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16. If you answered likely or very likely to any of the above, where in Dunes City would you like these facilities? LEAVE DUNE CITY ALONE if i wanted to live in portland I would move there. most of the time people travel by car because it's too far to walk! And it's usually raining. Chet's Trail between North Beach (Darlings Resort) to Westlake (City Hall) In the woods around the lake The Hilltop/Spruce Lane areas I am not really sure where you could actually put all of this to make it work for me. I live on HWY 101 Westlake to n beach on to Honymen Not many of the streets in Dunes City seem to offer much in this respect. Any possibility in path near shoreline of Siltcoos Lake; maybe from Boy Scout camp to Westlake area, or some other area around the lake? Road from westlake to north beach. I'm happy with the streets the way they are.

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Boy Scout road westlake Westlake Area Canary Road, Hwy 101 On Canary Road from 101 to 3rd bridge on Canary Road Hwy 101. Canary road and clear lake road 17.

18.

19.

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20.

21.

22.

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23.

24.

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25. and 26.

Where would you like to see an off street path in Dunes City? Like I noted previously, areas around the lakes and safely connecting with Honeyman park very cool ... to shores. westlake northbeach everywhere! no where yes, but gravel Between Westlake and North Beach 101 to 3rd bridge on Canary Road Westlake to Siltcoos Lagoon Westland and North Beach along 101 and Canary Road Nowhere, only beside existing roadways. yes yes, Westlake and north beach

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not sure Chet's Trail between Westlake and North Beach Along Chet's trail Between West Nowhere westlake no place because you would have to steel someones private property to make it and spend a lot of money we can't afford. 27. and 28.

Where would you like to see bicycle signage in Dunes City? no where, cars pay taxes for the roads bikes don't pay a thing and should feel lucky for the privilege to use them. On all roads. no where along safe bike paths None Nowhere westlake where ever there is an off street path Don't see the need... Nowhere. 29. and 30.

Where would you like to see bicycle shared lane marking in Dunes City? no where, cars pay taxes for the roads bikes don't pay a thing and should feel lucky for the privilege to use them. no no where

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None n/a Canary & Clear Lake Nowhere Don't see the need Canary, Clear Lake Roads pacific avenue, canary road, boy scout road Not necessarily. sharing a lane with a car or logging truck is not safe 31. and 32.

Where would you like to see bike lane marking in Dunes City? no where, cars pay taxes for the roads bikes don't pay a thing and should feel lucky for the privilege to use them. Clear Lake and Canary Roads no no where as above same as previous answer None No more signage, please! Clear lake, hwy 101and canary road n/a only if we can't do something better where bikes are SEPARATE I would NOT Hwy 101 Nowhere Clear Lake Road hwy 101

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33. and 34.

Where would you like to see protected bike lanes in Dunes City? no where, cars pay taxes for the roads bikes don't pay a thing and should feel lucky for the privilege to use them. no no where like the physical barrier I woulkd NOT Absolutely None 101 No None Nowhere Don't see the need hwy 101 35.

36. and 37.

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Where would you like to see bicycle boulevards or neighborhood greenways in Dunes City? no where, cars pay taxes for the roads bikes don't pay a thing and should feel lucky for the privilege to use them. Everywhere. Should be part of all development plans. everywhere! no where None 101 and Canary Road westlake on to honymen Huckleberry From Westlake to north beach Nowhere Hwy 101, canary, clear lake North Beach to Westlake hwy 101 38. Other comments regarding your thoughts on a need for bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities: Not to be negative, but i just don't see any of this happening soon in Dunes City. They're trying to do this in Florence (after years of public planning) and the citizens are in an uproar. WE NEED MORE PEOPLE TO BIKE!!!!!! I do agree that many people don't bike because they don't feel safe, SO we need to make them feel safe. Thanks... great survey I am disabled so have stopped riding a bike. I used to ride the eight mile loop around Woahink Lake Clear Lake, Canary, 101. I feel that a path between Westlake and North Beach would be used. Also something down Huckleberry is needed for walkers and bikers. The widening of Clear Lake road was/is excellent for a town of our size. good area. You may discuss needs, etc, forever, but there is no revenue for such expenditures. Also, most citizens living here do so because there are not a lot of destination shopping areas like stores, restaurants and malls. If we wanted all the hustle and bustle we would live in a larger city! A few off-the-road paths in areas like Westlake and the Hilltop area would be handy for children, walkers and wheelchairs. This survey is suited more towards a large Metro/urban area and has very little in common with the unique qualities of Dunes City. The idea of lanes dedicated solely for bike paths doesn't fit with the amount of privately owned property along the streets and roads. From whom would property be taken and how would it be paid for? Clear Lk Rd. already has a bath path shoulder area.......but our area is not known for bike riders usage other than maybe a few in the summertime that are vacationers or those passing through the area and want a short bypass from Hwy 101. The older average age of DC residents also affects the need for bike lanes and since there is no near by business or college campus, the need for that is about nil. What's the average age of the citizens in Dunes City, about 65, 70? Whatever, it's a pretty high number and that leads me to believe that bicycle lanes, are a complete waste of tax money. A politician is a person who, having little or no worldly goods of their own, traffic in the property of others, to the detriment of all concerned, save themselves! Scuttle this nonsense.

Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment s

The average age in Dunes City is 63. We already have a bike path that is rarely used.by bikers, but some folks use it for a walking path. Dunes City is like a giant park with out benches. It would be nice if there were some benches placed around town where folks could visit with their neighbors. I ride all roads and trails in this area. The wide shoulders on Clear Lake Road are great. All of the local roads are in good shape. Most have adequate shoulders. There are excellent trails on the Roseburg Forest Lands surrounding Dunes City. Maintaining access to these roads is my biggest concern. The overlay done on Canary Road last year has transformed it into a great road ride. Maple Creek Road is another great ride. Siltcoos Lake Trail is great for hiking or mountain biking. I road 1000 + miles and climbed 110k vertical feet riding from my home last year. There is an endless patchwork of roads and trails in this area. There is hardly room for cars in the Huckleberry neighborhood - all of the turning apexes at intersections are particularly bad and should be repaired. This is probably the busiest thoroughfare in Dunes City, and there are numerous potholes, mudholes, no pavement for autos to navigate, making it virtually impossible to find a safe place to walk.... and then there are the dogs. Numerous dogs emerge from their owners' properties and harass passersby. They will all say how nice their dogs are, how friendly, they are not. Do something about all the loose animals and you may make it safe for people and their own leashed pets to walk around the neighborhood. It would then be enjoyable to take a stroll around these areas. Population in 2012: 1,315 (0% urban, 100% rural) Really? do you really think we need bike paths. Most people are too old to ride a bike in dunes city even if they wanted to. I totally support developing safe bicycle and pedestrian paths in Dune City. This would be fun for residents and would help us attract more active visitors. Are there any unused railroad tracks we could convert? Are you familiar with the great work there have done in Idaho and Montana in developing bicycle/pedestrian paths? It can change the nature of an area very much towards the active and healthful. I think there more important things Dunes City need to spend its money on than bike and walk paths for a few. I believe Chet's Trail connecting North Beach to Westlake is necessary to have a safe place to walk, run, and ride a bicycle. It can be shared with rest points for people to enjoy the scenery. Our taxes are very, very high now. There are lots of good ideas out there, but we can't affort bicycle lanes, etc. Most of us are older and retired and do just fine with the way things are. If we want to bike, we can put our bike in our car and go where there are paths.

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Appendix D: Comments from Visitors and Residents at the Triathlon Booth I park my car at Woahink and ride the triathlon route. Parts could be wider. Connection between Clear Lake and Westlake In general, less access to cars. Cars discourage cycling. Car free cycling events bring tourists and stimulate the economy. Encouraged to bring the whole family. Nice place to ride. Mountain bike trails would be nice. No good mountain biking on the coast. A 15 mile loop single track would attract a lot of people. I think I would feel safe on trails. Although cougars have been seen on Kendell Lane and killed dogs.

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Appendix E: Survey Tool

Dunes City Bicycle/Pedestrian Needs Assessment

Survey

This survey will help determine the level of need for bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Dunes City, Oregon. Dunes City is working with a graduate student from the University of Oregon to conduct the bicycle and pedestrian needs assessment which will help formulate further actions for planning and prioritizing bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Dunes City.

The first set of questions pertain to walking and the second set pertain to bicycling.

Please answer all questions as accurately as possible. If you have any questions contact Ross Peizer at [email protected].

The survey will be open until Friday May 16th at 5pm.

* Required

1. Do you live in Dunes City? *Mark only one oval.

Yes

No

2. What best describes your age? *

Mark only one oval.

Under 18

18-24

25-34

35-44

45-54

55-64

65-74

75 and older

3. Do you have children under the age of 18 who live with you? *Mark only one oval.

Yes

No

v Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment

4. If so, do they walk or ride a bicycle?Mark only one oval.

Walk

Bike

Both

5. Do you walk around Dunes City? *Mark only one oval.

Yes

No

6. If so, how often do you walk in Dunes City?Mark only one oval.

Everyday

Once per week

A few times per month

A few times per year

Never

7. Why do you walk in Dunes City?

Check all that applyCheck all that apply.

Exercise

Walking the dog

To get somewhere

Other:

8. If you answered, "To get somewhere" above,

please specify where.

Examples include: Friend's house, store, postoffice

9. If you walk, how safe do you feel walking in Dunes City?Mark only one oval.

1 2 3 4 5

Very unsafe Very safe

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10. If you walk, on which roads and neighborhoods do you walk?Check all that applyCheck all that apply.

Highway 101

Boy Scout Road

Canary Road

Bridges on Canary Road

Clear Lake Road

Darling’s / North Beach neighborhood

Hilltop neighborhood


Westlake neighborhood

Other:

11. To what areas would you like to walk?Check all that applyCheck all that apply.

Honeyman State Park

Dunes National Recreation Area

Tyee Campground

(Private) Post Office

Resort in North Beach area

Resorts in Westlake

Other:

12. If you do not walk, what are the reasons?Check all that apply.

Too far distances

Don’t feel safe on the roads

Do not like walking

Weather

Other:

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13. Would you walk more if there were neighborhood greenways which divert and calm traffic as

described in the 3-minute video below?

Check all that apply.

No

Not likely

Unsure

Likely

Very likely

Other:

14. Where would you like to see neighborhood

greenways in Dunes City?

15. If you do or do not walk, would you walk more if there were:

Mark only one oval per row.

No Not likely Unsure Likely Very Likely

SidewalksCrosswalksBetter LightingDriver Education RegardingPedestriansOff Street Paths and WalkwaysWayfinding Signage

http://youtube.com/watch?v=NM60DqAM6bQ

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16. If you answered likely or very likely to any of the above, where in Dunes City would you likethese facilities?

17. Do you own a bicycle? *Mark only one oval.

Yes

No

18. If so, how often do you ride a bicycle in Dunes City?Mark only one oval.

Everyday

Once per week

A few times per month

A few times per year

Never

19. Do you ride for recreation or to commute?

Mark only one oval.

Recreation

Commute

Both

20. If you ride, how safe do you feel bicycling in Dunes City?Mark only one oval.

1 2 3 4 5

Very unsafe Very safe

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21. If you do not ride, what are the reasons?Check all that applyCheck all that apply.

Too far distances

Don't feel safe on the roads

Don't feel safe on the bridges

Do not like bicycling

Weather

Other:

22. If you do ride, on which roads and neighborhoods do you ride?Check all that applyCheck all that apply.

Highway 101

Boy Scout Road

Canary Road

Bridges on Canary Road

Clear Lake Road

Darling’s / North Beach neighborhood

Hilltop neighborhood


Westlake neighborhood

Other:

23. To what areas would you like to ride?Check all that applyCheck all that apply.

Honeyman State Park

Dunes National Recreation Area

Tyee Campground

(Private) Post Office

Resort in North Beach area

Resorts in Westlake

Other:

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24. If you do or do not ride, would you ride a bicycle more if there were:

Mark only one oval per row.

No Not Likely Unsure Likely Very Likely

Off street bicycle paths

On street bike lanesBicycle network maps and bicycleeducation materialsDriver education materialsregarding bicyclistsPlaces to park your bicycle Better lightingCommercial activity along bikeroutesRecreational activity along bikeroutes

25. Would you ride a bicycle more if there were off street paths like the image below?

Mark only one oval.

No

Not likely

Unsure

Likely

Very likely

26. Where would you like to see an off street path

in Dunes City?

Example: between Westlake and North Beach

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27. Would you ride a bicycle more if there was bicycle signage like the image below?

Mark only one oval.

No

Not likely

Unsure

Likely

Very likely

28. Where would you like to see bicycle signage in

Dunes City?

29. Would you ride a bicycle more if there was bicycle shared lane markings like the image

below?

Mark only one oval.

No

Not likely

Unsure

Likely

Very likely

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30. Where would you like to see bicycle shared

lane marking in Dunes City?

31. Would you ride a bicycle more if there were bike lane markings like the image below?

Mark only one oval.

No

Not likely

Unsure

Likely

Very likely

32. Where would you like to see bike lane marking

in Dunes City?

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33. Would you ride a bicycle more if there were protected bike lanes (either by paint or a physical

barrier) like the images below?

Mark only one oval.

No

Not likely

Unsure

Likely

Very likely

34. Where would you like to see protected bike

lanes in Dunes City?

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Powered by

35. As seen in the photos above, do you prefer a painted buffer or a physical buffer?Mark only one oval.

Painted buffer

Physical buffer

36. Would you ride a bicycle more if there were bicycle boulevards or neighborhood greenways

like described in the video previously?

Mark only one oval.

No

Not likely

Unsure

Likely

Very likely

37. Where would you like to see bicycle

boulevards or neighborhood greenways in

Dunes City?

38. Other comments regarding your thoughts on a need for bicycle and/or pedestrian facilities:

Dunes City Bicycle and Pedestrian Needs Assessment 8_4_14.compressed

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