2. MetroCOG bike/pedestrian plan

"l The principal bike route selection would be determined by the ranking methodology such thaI first preference would be given to a higher ranking bike route. ~ The principal bike routes would be interconnected and fonn a grid pattern ~ The principal bike" routes would connect the east-west and north - south limits of the metropolitan area In1 The principal bike route would serve as a significant commuter roule and provide access to major trip generators. lilt The missing Jinks and facility improvements on the principal bike routes would be given the first priority during project selections 4.22 PRINCIPAL BIKE ROUTE SELECTION CRITERIA A ranking methodology based on AASHTO guidelines was developed to evaluate the existing and future bike network as developed in the 2000 Metropolitan bicycle and pedestrian plan. The process is detailed in Appendix A.5. Map 4.2 shows the ranking of the existing and future bikeways in the metropolitan area. A set of performance standard criteria \\'cre selected based on qualitative and quantitative variables that meet the needs of potential users and detennine the desirability and efficiency of a bike network. The variables used were: If9 Directness of the route i.c how long the route runs mj Accessibilit)' to various trip gencrators ~ Continuit~' of the route i.e the number of dead ends or sudden break in connection with other bike facilities IOJ Connectivit)' or the route to other bikeways and pedestrian facilities "l Safety standards of the route IIlj The type of land use the route accesses "l Number of stop signs on the route "l Conflicts with vehicular traffic "l The level of route attractiveness ~ Financial Feasibility of route construction and maintenance IlIj Ease of Implementation 4.23 PROJECT SCREENING FACTORS One of the requirements of the TEA-21, ISTEA and now the SAFETEA LU is that metropolitan planning efforts should address as appropriatc the technical, environmental, financial and social impact of proposed transponation improvements. This legislation established four scrcening factors to evaluate project altematives as part of its planning process. The purpose of the evaluation criteria is to define the local jurisdictions' role in the decision making process and to provide a consistent set of criteria and a process by which projects would be programmed into the plan. The four screening factors used to analyze the projects are: 1. Technical Soundness FM METROPOLITAN BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN 2005 Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governniel1ts . ... . -12':: .