| Description |
The Fairpark Neighborhood Active Transportation Plan (ATP) was Initiated to provide an translation of community visions into responsible recommendations, utilizing various public engagement methods to thoroughly gather the community's opinions, concerns, and needs regarding the future of active transportation in their neighborhood. The resulting ATP serves as a dynamic action plan, directing decisions and investments to enhance, expand, and connect active transportation infrastructure throughout Fairpark. This plan aims to establish a secure and interconnected network of bike lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, intersection protection, and traffic calming measures across the neighborhood. By doing so, residents will be encouraged to opt for walking or cycling over driving, mitigating the need for cars and expanding the availability of safe and inclusive transportation choices for all residents. Enhancing active transportation (AT) networks-such as walking, biking, and rolling- benefits all residents, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or ability. These resources strengthen community cohesion through chance interactions, boost foot traffic for local businesses, integrate movement and exercise into daily routines, and mitigate auto emissions-a phenomenon historically and currently plaguing Salt Lake City's West side. Given its history of marginalization, Salt Lake City's West side lags behind the rest of the city regarding AT. Residents on the West side also face challenges such as worsened air quality from nearby refineries and freeways, physical disconnection from the rest of the city due to train and freeway crossings, and limited access to grocery stores and markets compared to neighborhoods East of I-15. While the ATP may not address all of these issues in their entirety, giving residents the opportunity to utilize AT instead of driving can positively impact air quality, public health, and provide connective travel alternatives for West side residents. To address these challenges effectively, the ATP's efforts begin as practical public infrastructure recommendations, listed and prioritized based on safety, community demand, network need, inclusivity, and feasibility. From this, neighborhood leaders can use our proposed "roadmap" to realize the community's vision and facilitate the formation of high-use, multifaceted roadway development over time. |
