Bicycle & Pedestrian Systems Plan

BPSP has been adopted!

On Tuesday, 3 March 2020, the City Commission voted 5–0 on the second reading to approve the ordinance adopting the BPSP as a component of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The first reading was on Tuesday, 18 February 2020, and was also a 5–0 vote. 

You can view the Bicycle & Pedestrian Systems Plan here

The Manhattan Mobility Manual (3M), a companion toolkit for staff use, can be viewed here

Background

The City of Manhattan, in partnership with the Flint Hills Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), has developed a new plan for walking and biking in Manhattan. The Bicycle & Pedestrian Systems Plan (BPSP) will provide a 20-year vision to expand and enhance the community’s biking and walking infrastructure, and will accomplish the following

  • Develop a common vision for walking and biking in Manhattan that encompasses the needs of all ages and abilities
  • Build on previous local planning and engagement efforts
  • Build capacity to support safe walking and biking in Manhattan
  • Promote and energize a culture of walking and biking
  • Identify walking and biking route improvements
  • Develop priorities to invest in walking and biking infrastructure
  • Create guidance and provide tools for implementation

The City and MPO selected a consulting team including Alta Planning + Design, Shockey Consulting, and CFS Engineers to assist with the process. The project was funded in part by a federal grant administered by the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). The Systems Plan will replace the City’s 1999 Bicycle Master Plan. 

Here’s more information about the process and why walking and biking is important!

bike lane_cropped

Community Engagement

Community engagement played an integral role in the decision-making process for the Systems Plan. The City of Manhattan and Flint Hills MPO worked in conjunction with the consultant team to engage residents, business owners, and other community stakeholders throughout the planning process. Community members had the opportunity to review the draft Systems Plan vision and goals; help identify infrastructure needs, opportunities, and priorities; and provide feedback on draft recommendations. 

Our First Demonstration Project

On April 23 and 24, 2019, we ran a demonstration project at the intersection of North Manhattan Avenue and Fremont Street to test the use of curb extensions at this site. This project was low cost and was put up in a matter of hours.  We had a tent on site and asked for feedback from pedestrians during both of the two days. The results of this project were positive and more demonstration projects are to follow in other locations around Manhattan. These demonstrations are a fast and inexpensive way to get feedback before implementing permanent solutions.

Demonstration Project no. 1

A full view of our project.
We were out early to measure the site and get ready to assemble the project.
Taping the boundary of the project.
Painting the road to reducing pedestrian crossing distance.
We put up vertical delineators for extra safety.
Our crew worked quickly to paint the crosswalks.
Pedestrians cross more easily at our project site.
We get feedback from pedestrians.
We got feedback from the community to help our projects moving forward.
Getting as much feedback as we can.
These projects keep pedestrians safe and comfortable.
Even the largest vehicles did not struggle with our adjustments.

Steering Committee

A Steering Committee was convened to provide guidance at key points during the planning process. The Steering Committee was a working group representing the diverse interests of the community that will guide the decision-making and planning process.

The Steering Committee consisted of individuals who

  • Have a pulse on a variety of issues the community faces
  • Consider the interests of others and all sides of each issue
  • Think futuristically, strategically, and holistically about the entire community
  • Could potentially lead the community during implementation

Through a series of meetings, the Steering Committee

  • Drafted a vision, goals, and guiding principles for the planning process
  • Shaped decision-making criteria
  • Listened to and represent the community
  • Came to a consensus around the recommended plan for Manhattan
  • Attended the final meeting where the plan is presented to the City Commission