County presents Walk & Bike Clackamas plan update; prioritizes 236 projects for unincorporated areas

Clackamas County Transportation & Development presented Walk, Bike, Clackamas, an updated pedestrian and bicycle plan for unincorporated county areas that identifies 236 priority projects and a set of supportive programs.

Karen Burig, Long Range Planning Manager, said the last comprehensive county walk/bike plan dated to 1996 and the current project was funded by a Transportation and Growth Management grant. The project included an 18‑member advisory committee, four advisory meetings, outreach at county events and an online interactive map. Staff used crash data, bicycle level of traffic stress and destination mapping to identify priorities and then applied a goal‑based prioritization matrix emphasizing safety, accessibility, connectivity, sustainability, equity and health.

The plan divides the county into five sub‑areas so priorities reflect local patterns; it lists linear projects (sidewalks, bike lanes), point projects (crossings) and “shared streets” where low‑volume/low‑speed roads could be improved with signs or markings. Burig said the plan did not assign costs to each project; projects will be integrated into the county’s transportation system plan, prioritized and matched to funding sources before construction. Staff said adoption will require comprehensive‑plan amendments and scheduled planning‑commission (April) and board public hearings (May).

Commissioners asked about funding, sidewalks in areas such as Oak Grove and Jennings Lodge, and micro‑mobility programs (e‑bikes, scooters, shared vehicles). Staff said funding will be matched to projects when opportunities arise and reiterated that the plan provides a prioritized list to support grant applications and capital planning.

The board received the informational presentation; no board action was taken at this session.