The PedNet Masterplan was developed by the PedNet Coalition during 2000, recommended by the Columbia Area Transportation Study Organization (CATSO) in May, 2001, and adopted by the Columbia City Council in July, 2002 (for details, see History of PedNet).
CATSO, Columbia's designated "Metropolitan Planning Organization" updates its long-range transportation plan every 5 years. The latest version, the CATSO 2030 Transportation Plan, includes the Draft 2 PedNet Masterplan (November, 2000) as Columbia's proposed bicycle, pedestrian, and wheelchair network and the PedNet Map (see below). These documents now represent an official policy to build a non-motorized transportation network in Columbia.
The PedNet Masterplan consists of the PedNet Backbone, various radial trails, and a tight-knit network of bike lanes and urban pedways (mixed-use paths alongside major streets),
The "PedNet Backbone," shown in orange and red, is a high-priority, loosely connected structure of nature trails, bicycle lanes and urban pedways. When complete, the PedNet Backbone will consist of a 20-30 mile trail loop around Columbia with a "cross" made up of two major bicycling routes.
Existing components of the PedNet Backbone (as of November, 2000) - the MKT, Hinkson, University, and Bear Creek Trails - are shown in orange. Other sections of the Backbone - the Perche and North Hinkson Creek Trails and the bicycle lanes and/or pedways along Broadway, Providence Road, and Clinkscales Road - are shown in red. Some of these routes have been planned, funded, and built during the intervening years. Many of the remainder are high-priority projects for construction under Columbia's $22,000,000 federal Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program, awarded in 2005 (see GetAbout Columbia).
The PedNet Backbone will provide basic connectivity for the entire community, linking together most of the schools, colleges, parks, commercial areas, and medical centers, as well as thousands of residences. With the Backbone in place, it will be relatively easy for neighborhoods and business districts throughout Columbia to find creative ways to connect to it. The PedNet Coalition continues to work with the City, County, and State, to encourage the construction of the Backbone as quickly as possible.
The remainder of the PedNet consists of radial trails following creek corridors out into the County (shown on the map in green) and a progressively tighter-knit network of new bicycle lanes or pedways (shown in blue). These routes will be constructed when funds become available or when opportunities (such as major reconstruction of a main road by the City, County or State) present themselves. The goal for completing the entire PedNet is the year 2020.
Hundreds of members of the PedNet Coalition contributed to the development of the Draft 2 PedNet Masterplan Map by providing information about specific routes and helping to solve particular local problems. Please continue to help shape the vision. You can take part in the virtual public hearing by joining the PedNet Coalition and and sending us your suggestions.
