[Adopted 5-27-2008, effective 6-11-2008]
Complete streets are defined as facilities that are designed
and operated to enable safe access for all users. Persons with disabilities,
pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders are able to
safely move along and across a complete street.
A.
The Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets shall include
pedestrian and bicycle facilities in all new street construction,
street reconstruction, street maintenance, public works and park projects
undertaken by the City of Buffalo, subject to the exceptions contained
herein.
B.
The City of Buffalo Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board shall review
all new street construction, street reconstruction and street maintenance
projects undertaken by the City of Buffalo and shall provide consultation
regarding its implementation as a complete street.
C.
The inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities shall be mandated
in all new street construction, street reconstruction and street maintenance
projects undertaken by the City of Buffalo unless one of the following
conditions exists:
(1)
Bicyclists and pedestrians are prohibited by law from using the facility.
In this case, alternative facilities and accommodations for pedestrians
and bicyclists shall be provided within the same transportation corridor
as determined by the Commissioner of Public Works, Parks and Streets.
(2)
The cost of establishing bikeways or walkways would be disproportionate
to the need or probable use. Costs shall be considered disproportionate
for purposes of this section if the cost of including bicycle and
pedestrian facilities exceeds 20% of the cost of the larger project.
(3)
Where the existing right-of-way does not allow for sidewalks, bike
lanes, paths or other improvements. In this case, the Commissioner
shall explore alternatives such as the use of revised travel lane
configurations, paved shoulders, signage, traffic calming, education
or enforcement to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and persons with
disabilities. If the Commissioner makes said determination, he shall
reduce it to writing and file it with appropriate supporting documentation
with the Common Council and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board
for its information and review.
(4)
Where the Commissioner determines that the inclusion of bicycle and/or
pedestrian facilities on a roadway would constitute a threat to the
health, safety and/or welfare to the motorists and/or pedestrians
and bicyclists of the City of Buffalo. If the Commissioner makes said
determination, he shall confirm it in writing and file it with appropriate
supporting documentation with the Common Council and Bicycle and Pedestrian
Advisory Board for its information and review.
Bicycle and pedestrian facilities will be planned, designed,
developed and maintained in accordance with guidelines adopted by
the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), New York State
Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the American Association
of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) or other guidelines
approved by the City of Buffalo.
