The Northeast Corridor Bicycle Vision Study is a complement to CATS' planned expansion of the South Corridor Light Rail into the Northeast Corridor, from Uptown to UNC Charlotte/I-485 (aka the Blue Line Extension or BLE). The study will generate a vision for creating bicycling routes, facilities and other infrastructure to serve cyclists along the route.

Click here to view the Northeast Corridor map.

Goal
The study will generate a vision for recommended corridor-length (Uptown to UNCC/I-485) bicycling routes, facilities and infrastructure to serve cyclists for transportation and recreational purposes. 

History
In May 2006, the Charlotte City Council adopted the 25-year Transportation Action Plan (TAP) that carefully considers the challenges and opportunities facing Charlotte over the next 25 years. The TAP specifically recommends multi-modal transportation options - options that will be recommended through this bicycle vision study. In 2008, the Charlotte Bicycle Plan included policy strategy to incorporate bicycle facilities within transit corridors.

In summer, 2010, Charlotte hired consultant Alta Planning + Design to conduct the study and prepare a planning report.  One of their first tasks was establishing current conditions along the corridor with specific opportunities and challenges. The study's scope of work included reviewing and mapping of existing facilities and nearby development and compiling best practices for bicycle facilities planning and design.  A stakeholder committee was assembled and preferences for facility types were identified. Field analysis and design workshops were also held with the participation of a stakeholder group and potential bicycle routes and new facilities were identified.

TEAM/STAKEHOLDERS WORKSHOP
A two-day workshop was conducted by the project team and stakeholders March 8-9, 2011 to evaluate existing bicycle facilities in the corridor and identify and evaluate potential routes and facilities for the vision plan.  Click here to view minutes from the workshop.