Transportation System Plan 2018-2038

The strategies listed above directly and indirectly respond to the pedestrian system planning policies dictated by the TPR, RTP, and the City ’s Comprehensive Plan . To vary ing degrees, the strategies also reflect the goals of the Medford Vision Strategic Plan, RVMPO Transit Oriented Design and Transit Corridor Development Strategies , and the RVMPO Alternative Measur es package. While m any policies do not relate to the actual phy sical expansion of the pe destrian sy stem , they are equally important to the overall pedestrian network. Provision of supportive land uses along with safety and educational program s all contribute to im provem ent of the walking environm ent and encouragem ent of walking as a transportation m ode of choice. The various alternative strategies have been evaluate d using criteria that were developed to weigh the benefits and im pacts of im plem enting each improvem ent strategy , and to initiated discussion of pedestrian system priorities. Evaluation criteria were deve loped based on existing adopted policies, state TPR requirem ents and/or factors identified as particular ly relevant for com paring and contrasting the alternative strategies. The strategies can be analy zed to determ ine the degree that each: • Serves key destinations, including TODs, school s, com mercial centers, downtown Medford and major recreation sites; • Improves safety at locations with reported pedestrian accidents; • Improves access to transit; • Increases the percentage of arterial and co llector streets with sidewalks/paths; • Improves connectivity of the pedestrian sy stem ; • Enhances pedestrian com fort; and • Has the potential for reducing reliance on the au tomobile for trip-m aking within the UGB. Table 10-10 presents an evaluation m atrix that summarizes each of these strategies and assesses them in relation to the evaluation criteria. This evaluation not only gauged the im pacts and potential benefits of each strategy , but also served as a prioritization tool leading to the identification of a phased program of improvem ents. Actions Presently about 55 percent of arterial and collector streets within the Medford UGB have sidewalks on one or both sides of the street. Analy sis of the im provem ent strategies and policy criteria along with community input throughout the planning process suggests that Medford’ s pedestrian sy stem will be completed m ost effectively by placing a greater fo cus on connecting activity centers and adding facilities in the City ’s transit-oriented developm ents (TODs). City leaders also strongly support new and im proved connections to schools. While not fully satisfy ing as many criteria as the aforem entioned strategies, enhancing connections to Major Tr ansit Stops is also im portant. Planning for Medford’ s future pedestrian sy stem also took into account various components that contribute to an effective pedestrian network. The ODOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan lists several principles of bikeway and walkway planning. The principles include: • Accom modating bicy clists and pedestrians on arterial and collector streets; • Providing appropriate facilities; • Creating and m aintaining a sy stem of closely spaced, interconnected local streets; and • Overcom ing barriers such as freeway crossings, intersections, rivers and cany ons. Pedestrians also have certain needs and desires that should be accom modated whenever possible. Pedestrians need safe streets and walking areas, direct routes, protection from weather and other elem ents, an attractive and clean environm ent, access to transit, and social interaction. Pedestrian circulation is also strongly influenced by land use including proxim ity of m ixed uses within reasonable walking distance. Medford Transportatio n System Plan 10-22 Non-M otorized Transportation Plan