Springfield plans to 'link' entire city through bicycle boulevards

The City of Springfield and Ozark Greenways are working on a plan to link the core of the city with the Greenway system with a series of bicycle boulevards that will be known as "The Link".

Ralph Rognstad summarizes the idea in a recent News Leader article:

The greenway system makes extensive use of flood plains, which are not suitable for other development, as part of a multi-use strategy for stormwater management and trails. Unfortunately, floodways do not always go where people want to travel. Springfield has also developed a comprehensive bike route system that helps to connect the greenways. However, some bike routes lack direct connections and riding routes with heavier auto traffic can feel unsafe.

To address these problems, the city and Ozark Greenways have begun a plan to create a series of direct routes that will connect greenways in Springfield's core. The routes will be on existing streets with minimal vehicular traffic. The series of routes will be called The Link. There will be very recognizable, color-coded signage to inform users and motorists alike of the routes. There will be a different color designation for each link between greenways. For example, the link between the future Pea Ridge Creek Trail (Doling Park) and the Jordan Valley Trail could be designated the Green Link and the link between Jordan Valley Trail and the future Fassnight Creek Trail (Phelps Grove Park) could be designated the Orange Link. . . . 

The experiences of walkers and bicyclists on The Link will vary along different routes; however, the ultimate goal is to develop a system of shared-use routes that creates an experience of comfort and safety. While the experience will not be the same as walking or riding on a greenway trail, the landscaping, fixtures, and materials along The Link are planned to ultimately be better than along a typical city street. The Link, like the greenway system, will take a number of years to complete.

More coverage of The Link is in Andy Clines' Carbon Trace blog.