Upcoming Kenton County Bicycle and Pedestrian Study (Preview)

Starting in early 2017, PDS staff will begin crafting a new bicycle and pedestrian plan, which will become part of the Direction 2030. Your Voice. Your Choice. comprehensive plan.  Adoption of Direction 2030 in September 2014 completed a two-year long process of research and public engagement, ultimately crafting the community’s vision for Kenton County.  The adoption of the comprehensive plan was just one of many steps in making that vision become a reality for Kenton County.

Kenton County currently utilizes two plans related to active transportation, both of which need updating.  As an example, the bicycle plan was last updated in 1999 and the pedestrian plan in 2002.  “The existing plans do not reflect the current needs and issues affecting bicycle and pedestrian modes of transportation in Kenton County today and now is the time to revisit those plans” said Emi Randall, Director of Planning and Zoning at PDS.  Throughout the Direction 2030 planning process many comments regarding bicycle and pedestrian safety and facilities were received.  “Awareness of bicycle and pedestrian safety in Kenton County is becoming an important issue as these modes of transportation become more popular and the demand for these facilities increase” said Mrs. Randall.  The comments received during the Direction 2030 planning process were incorporated into the Goals & Objectives and Mobility elements of the comprehensive plan.

As the bicycle and pedestrian study commences, PDS staff will study existing conditions and identify issues and concerns with the existing bicycle and pedestrian system in Kenton County.  Goals for the plan include inventorying existing bicycle and pedestrian amenities such as bike lanes, bike routes, walking paths, and signage.  Another goal is to improve the bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Kenton County.

To help create awareness of safety issues, PDS was granted the Paula Nye Memorial Grant Award from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC).  The Paula Nye Grant was established to improve the safety of non-motorized transportation.  As a recipient of the grant, PDS is committed to educating citizens about bicycle and pedestrian safety.  Part of the bicycle and pedestrian study will include using this grant to educate the public, increase awareness of bicycle and pedestrian safety issues, and raise awareness of the countywide planning effort through a public service announcement campaign.

Currently staff is conducting preliminary research and preparing to begin the study.  Once the bicycle and pedestrian study starts early next year, another step toward implementing Direction 2030, the citizen’s vision for Kenton County, will be under way.  If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming bicycle and pedestrian study, getting involved, and/or receiving updates about its progress,  contact Chris Schneider, Principal Planner at PDS.