Rapid City’s growth management department and Alta Planning unveiled a master plan in mid-April to make bicycling and walking an integral part of transportation in Rapid City. The plan recommends 10 priority projects including signage, bike lanes and shared lanes, that could be done in the near future. It builds on existing trails and paths that run through the parks by connecting recreational trails to educational, work and retail destinations.
Top recommendations are designed to overcome obstacles to walking and cycling, and give walkers and bikers access past major highways and corridors that divide the city. Longer term proposals include trail construction and ongoing education. According to the document, the long term vision is to make Rapid City “a world-class biking and walking community with a diversified transportation system in which pedestrians and bicyclists are a priority in transportation planning, design and maintenance; where streets that accommodate bicyclists and sidewalks are accessible and user friendly; and where citizens have many travel options in their daily lives.”
The plan provides suggestions for education, encouragement and enforcement programs to improve the walking and biking environment in the Rapid City area. The public had a chance to view the plan at an open house and the City Council voted to approve the draft plan on April 18. Council member Aaron Costello noted that the report is a draft and interested individuals can continue to submit their recommendations and comments on the plan. Download a copy of the master plan or executive summary.