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WFRC presents Beehive Bikeways plan to expand high‑comfort active‑transportation network
Summary
WFRC staff previewed the Beehive Bikeways initiative to create a high‑comfort, separated bike and active-transportation backbone connecting Wasatch Choice centers across the region and discussed next steps for local implementation, funding and signage.
At the Transcom meeting, WFRC staff presented the Beehive Bikeways initiative, a proposed network of high‑comfort, separated bike and pedestrian corridors intended to connect Wasatch Choice centers and everyday destinations across the Wasatch Front.
Hugh Van Wagonen, WFRC, described the effort as an attempt to convert many short trips—nearly half of regional trips are under three miles—into safe, comfortable active-transportation trips. “We know that a bicycle can get 3 miles pretty efficiently,” Van Wagonen said, noting research from recent household travel surveys and regional modeling that show untapped potential for active modes.
The proposed network would emphasize separation from motor vehicle traffic—protected lanes, sidepaths and fully separated facilities—and would tie into the Utah Trail Network’s backbone. Among staff findings presented: about 70% of jobs in the region are within a quarter‑mile of the proposed high‑comfort network and an estimated 60% of households would be within a quarter-mile if the corridors are built. Modeling suggests bicycle miles traveled within Wasatch Choice centers could increase by roughly 40% if the network is built out.
Participants discussed practical design and local implementation. Carlton Christiansen and other members recommended looking beyond major arterials to quieter parallel streets that can provide comfortable, continuous corridors. Members also asked about winter maintenance and user behavior in snowy climates; Van Wagonen said countries with established active-transportation cultures maintain usage year-round through design, operations and public expectations. WFRC staff said the draft network was developed from projects already in the 2023 regional transportation plan, refined through city staff meetings and 2024 fall workshops that yielded hundreds of public comments.
Staff outlined next steps: incorporate the Beehive Bikeways into the regional transportation plan and pursue funding and concept-level work (including Transportation and Land Use Connection and other existing programs) to move local corridors forward. Staff invited municipalities to identify priority corridors for funding assistance and concept work where WFRC programs can help advance designs and local adoption.
The committee discussion emphasized consistent signage across municipal boundaries, partnerships on local corridor design, and the potential for economic returns from active-transportation investment. Several members noted examples from other regions and urged WFRC to pursue targeted funding to build corridor concepts and support local construction planning.
