The purpose of the 2016 RFATS Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Connectivity Plan is to guide short- and long-term transportation and land use planning decisions for a safer, more accessible bicycling and walking environment. The central goal of this plan is to develop a more complete, functional network of biking and walking routes that connect residents and visitors to the destinations that matter to them.Additionally, it is expected that this plan will serve as a common work plan across the region while also providing action-oriented guidance for local communities to advance their own goals of walkability and bikeability.
RFATS encompasses two of the fastest growing counties in South Carolina, in addition to a rapidly expanding economy. After decades of development,during which cycling and walking were insufficiently considered, a shift in this mindset within the RFATS study area is seen in the numerous programs and events that bring cycling and walking into the mainstream of transportation planning. However, there is much left to accomplish in order to create vibrant, walkable, and bicycle friendly communities.
Thus RFATS is partnering with Alta Planning + Design to ensure that this Plan builds upon the area’s prior efforts and regional leadership for active transportation and community investment. These successes include:
Planning for and the locally-led implementation of on-street bicycling facilities in Rock Hill
Development of a Rock Hill Greenway Network
Promotion of bicycling routes across York County
Private Sector investments in walkable developments like Baxter Village
Bike based tourism attractors at Riverwalk
Regional and local trail planning for the Carolina Thread Trail
Maintaining an active Eat Smart Move More York County coalition
The planning process began in May and will extend six months. A full draft Plan will be complete in October. Check out the Documents page of this website to see draft materials as they are developed.