Royal Oak, Mich.—Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit in Oakland County, is the latest Michigan city to roll out its non-motorized master plan. And with it, a new non-motorized transportation bicycle network map (click for the full-sized image). The City Commission agreed to a recommendation May 7 that amended the city's master plan to include the non-motorized transportation component, which Mayor Jim Ellison says would help foster a bikeable, walkable community.
According to official documents, the non-motorized plan seeks to:
- Increase bicycling and walking as active modes of transportation.
- Make bicycling and walking comfortable and enjoyable transportation choices.
- Expand the network of pedestrian ways and bikeways throughout the community.
- Create safe and inviting walking and biking environments for residents and visitors.
- Contribute to the quality of life for current and future residents and visitors.
- Coordinate planned improvements with other agencies having jurisdiction over elements of the transportation network.
While many residents expressed delight at the City Commission meeting May 7, the improvements to be made does not necessarily mean transportation infrastructure will immediately be retrofitted. Royal Oak, instead, will incorporate walkable and bikeable features, like bike lanes and road diets, into new road construction projects.
Mayor Ellison says it will happen in stages, provided funding is available.
