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TRANSPORTAT�ON � ridors of bicycle travel for transportation and recreation purposes. Metropolitan corridors shown in the System Plan map were salected according to the follow- ing criterie: high-volume bike t�aval potential, access to multiple destinations or generators isuch as schools and parksl, linking of adjacect systems, ready accessibility and provision of aesthetic oe racreational value as well as serving transportation �eeds. Actual location and development of bikeways Should reflect this system and be consistent with metropolitan policies and design guidelines. In eonstructing facilities, opeiating jurisdic[ions should s¢lect the specific location and type of faeiliry (separeta path, lane or signed route) that is most appropriate for the local conditions. Not all bikeways are intended to be shown on this plan, and municipalities are encouraged to deveiop local systems to serve their own needs and to provide links to tha metropolitan system. REIATIONSHIP TO THE HEGIONAL TRAILS POLICY PLAN This proposed amendment on bicycle and padestrian systems is intended to supplement and expand upon the Transportation Policy Plan, facusing primarily on destination-ariented purposeful trips. A nend has also been identified for a system ot regional trails to serva the various modes of recreational travel, including the bicycle mode. To fulfiil this need, a Regional Treil Plan is also being prepared by the MMropolitan Council to supplement the Recrea� tion Open Space Policy Plan. Two major objec- tives of the Regional Trail Plan are [o provide a system of regional trails that will link com- ponents of the Re9ional Recreation Open Space Plan and/or natural recreation resou�ces and ta provide a system of regional trails for recrea- tional use with consideration given to transpor- tation. Since many trail corridors in both the Regional Trail Plan and this amendment serve both transportatian and recteational functions, the two plans are being developed to comple- ment eaCh other. The Metropolitan 8icycle System Plan and the flegional Trail Plan ware coordinated in develop- ment of policies and system plans (or bikeway elements. This metropolitan bikeway plan, with ita emphasis on bikes as e transportation mode, is concentraeed within the Urban Service Area. This feature recognizes the inereased role of transportation by bicycles in the urbanized area. Although it gives consideretion to t2nsporta- tion, the Regional Trail Plan, on the other hand, is primarily based on the recreational experience and the connection o} Regional Rxteation ODan Space areas throughout the Metrapolitan Area. Analyzing the two sysiem plans shows that the bikeway p�an defines more corridors within the Urban Service Area. The Pegional Troil Plan, on the other hand, identifies a partion of these same corridors within the Urban Service Area and defines additionel corridors outside it. These tatter Regional Trail Plan corridon outside the Urban Service Area are also included in the bikeway plan. CUIDELINES FOR DESIGN The intent of Yhis sec[ion is to provide guidelines to �ocai cammunities and oth�r agencies in the physical development of bikeways. Bikeways should be located to provide e sa(e, high-quality biking ezperience. Routes seleCted should be the safest and most direct routes. maximizing contact with acUvity centers while maintaining a pleasing cycli�g environment. Bikeways antl padesYrian ways should be deaign- ed to be compatible with their environment. However, the geometrics and mainMnanae of a bicycle or pedastrian taeility should encourage its use in eompariwn to pare��e� fatilitiea whieh were not designed with the bicyelist or pedestrian in mind. Bikeway and pedestrian ways should generally utilize low-volume through straets. Facilities placed on high-volume routea should be physically separated from motor vehicla traHie. The following referencea for bicy�la desig� stsn- dards should be used as minimums: 1) "Bikeways Guide: Model Cri[erie (or Bikeways and Recreational Lanes within tha Highway Pight- of-Way:' November, 1974, by Transportation Pla�ning, MinnesoW State Plann• ing Agency, 550 Ceder Street, St. Paul, Min- nesota 55101; 2) "Bicycle Trails Manual; ' by Minnesota Department ol Natural Resources. Division of Parks and Necreation, 32(1 Centennial Building, St. Paul, Minnesota 5u155; and/or �..