Bike lanes study approved

Apr. 25—Old Town may be getting more bike lanes.

But first, a feasibility study ...

At its April 16 meeting, Scottsdale City Council approved a contract with Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) for the 2nd Street Neighborhood Bikeway Study.

The county agency has a $500,000 fund "that allows MAG member agencies to apply for funding for the preliminary design portion of an active transportation project with no local matching funds required."

Scottsdale submitted the application for the 2nd Street Neighborhood Bikeway Study on June 30, 2023.

MAG will pick up all but $6,300 of the $86,000 study.

The study will look at the western portion of the 1.8-mile 2nd Street Neighborhood Bikeway through Old Town Scottsdale that connects Indian Bend Wash Path and Arizona Canal Path.

As the presentation to City Council summarizes, "The study will create design concepts including alternatives for a 0.8-mile segment of 2nd Street from Goldwater Boulevard to the Arizona Canal Path."

According to the city's MAG contract, "There are several options for connectivity to the Arizona Canal and the Crosscut Canal along this route. Access to Indian School Rd and the Arizona Canal is possible through 68th Street, as well as Pinto Lane and Navajo Trail via wall openings."

But there may be tough decisions to be made.

"Increased use of these areas may become a challenge for residents in the neighborhoods," a report states.

Indeed, changing street parking here "may prove problematic with residents."

The City Council report explains "Neighborhood Bikeways are part of the low-stress bicycle network through neighborhoods, featuring low traffic volumes and residential speeds.

"These routes connect riders to neighborhood destinations such as parks, schools and homes as well as connections to the rest of the bikeway network."

But the study is not just about bikes — it will also explore a "pedestrian hybrid beacon crossing" at 2nd Street and Indian School Road.