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WFRC pitches "Beehive Bikeways" network to increase low-stress bicycle travel to centers
Summary
WFRC staff introduced the Beehive Bikeways initiative to create a low-stress bicycle network linking regional centers; the plan ties into the regional transportation plan and will include technical assistance and a future funding opportunity for municipalities.
Wasatch Front Regional Council staff outlined "Beehive Bikeways," an initiative to build a network of low-stress bicycle facilities that connect regional centers and broaden the share of trips feasibly taken by bicycle.
Hugh (WFRC) described the program's purpose as expanding access to centers—places with jobs, housing and services—by building separated bike lanes, multiuse pathways and other low-stress connections that are more comfortable for a wider range of riders. "Life is sweeter on the bikeways," Hugh said, summarizing outreach messaging and materials the council has prepared.
Hugh noted household travel surveys show about 49% of trips along the Wasatch Front are under three miles and that roughly 20% are one mile or less—distances often suited to bicycling if low-stress facilities are available. The initiative maps centers against the existing Golden Spoke multiuse pathway network and identifies gaps where new low-stress connections could serve short trips between centers.
WFRC will integrate Beehive Bikeways into the regional transportation plan, offer technical assistance and is developing a targeted funding resource to support jurisdictions that want to advance projects; staff said they expect to issue a call for letters of interest later in the summer. Hugh encouraged jurisdictions with corridor ideas to contact WFRC to discuss next steps and funding and technical-assistance options.
The presentation emphasized multimodal benefits and tie-ins to existing construction programs, and staff said they will continue one-on-one workshops and stakeholder outreach to refine routes and funding priorities.
