A Cycle Network for Swansea

By

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my dissertation tutor, family and friends for their support and guidance, without which this research would not have been possible.

Executive Summary

This document represents the Explore Swansea Comprehensive Alternative Transportation Plan. The objective of this plan is to provide a conceptual framework guiding future on- and off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities, with the overarching goal being to transform the Village of Swansea into an even more bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly community.

This planning process will begin in December 2012 and included two public open houses and a public walking workshop. Multiple surveys were completed by Swansea residents and comments were solicited and received at every juncture. The vast majority of residents are in favor of helping make Swansea more friendly to cyclists, walkers, and other trail and on-street facility users. Existing facilities see a high rate of usage and will serve the Village well as the foundation of its future connected network. While this is a long-term plan meant to take up to 20 years to implement, it provides the blueprint, in the form of phases, for constant progress. As more phases of this plan are implemented, the more positive impacts will be realized. It is our hope that this plan, once implemented, will enable users of all skills, interests and needs to get out and Explore Swansea.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYIII

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Village History & Development1

Census Statistics2

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW3

Wheelrights and the Swansea Cycle Challenge6

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY10

Research Method10

CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION12

CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS16

END NOTES17

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

The Village of Swansea is located in the Metro East area of the St. Louis Metropolitan Region. Situated in the Southwestern Illinois county of Saint Clair, Swansea is a residential and commercial community, surrounded by other Southwestern Illinois communities, such as Belleville, Shiloh and Fairview Heights. Swansea commissioned this study to investigate and determine the most suitable and appropriate routes for residents and visitors to explore the Village by bicycle or foot. The results of this citizen-driven process illustrate how the Village can grow, enhance and plan for the future of its alternative transportation network.

This planning process and subsequent report were guided by to two basic methods of exploration: transportation and recreation. With an increasingly sedentary and overweight population nationwide, especially in children, access to recreational facilities, including trails, is becoming more and more important for many citizens. Additionally, the rising cost of fuel has inspired many commuters to search for alternative methods of transportation to their workplace and shopping destinations. This plan builds on the many existing high-quality bicycle and pedestrian facilities in Swansea, as well as those currently under development. The plan incorporates and builds upon the information gathered in the community park survey conducted by the Village in March of 2009.

It also outlines a blueprint for a connected system of both bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Included is a phased implementation strategy based on citizen- and data-driven priorities. The piece-by-piece approach to the construction of this network will enable the ...