BY LINDA BENTLEY | OCTOBER 16, 2013
Transportation study seeks input
One survey for locals and businesses; another for cyclists
CAVE CREEK – A transportation framework study is underway to help address issues and needs for Cave Creek and Carefree while guiding future plans. The study is currently conducting community outreach to determine what locals, business owners and cyclists desire to be incorporated into both towns’ future plans.
The study, funded primarily through a MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) grant with $5,000 contributions from each town, will have an emphasis on improving local and regional bicycle and pedestrian linkages and safety along with special event traffic and parking management.
The study’s objectives include:
• Continuing development of the regional bike network on Cave Creek Road, Tom Darlington Drive and Pima Road, developing a community bike loop around Black Mountain, and enhancing economic activity with respect to cycling.
• Developing bicycle and pedestrian linkages between the Cave Creek and Carefree town centers, while accommodating equestrian use in the Cave Creek town core.
• Developing strategies to improve access, parking and safety for the multiple special events in both towns.
• Evaluating improvement needs to the regional road networks on Cave Creek and Pima roads and Tom Darlington Drive.
• Recommending improvements for safe pedestrian crossings and business access.
MAG is seeking input from the community and has developed two surveys, one for local residents and business owners and another for cyclists to learn about transportation needs.
The survey for locals and businesses asks what places people go to in a typical week, how they get there, the top six problems encountered when traveling around Cave Creek and Carefree, while asking how important things are, such as widening streets, decreasing speed limits, sidewalks, landscaped medians, striped bike lanes, buses, additional lighting, etc.
It asks about horse riding, cycling and hiking habits and if the towns should be promoted as a primary destination for bicyclists.
The survey also asks respondents for their suggestions for improving local transportation in both Cave Creek and Carefree.
The second survey, geared to bicyclists, asks how important things such as bike racks, speed limits, striped bike lanes, signage, pavement quality, rest areas, connectivity of paths, aesthetics and dedicated bike or multi-use paths are when considering where to ride.
It also asks how important marketing and advertising destinations, food/restaurants/amenities, hotels/motels/B&Bs, scenic views and natural environment, campgrounds and signage are in prompting cyclists to visit an area.
It asks what type of bicycle rider the respondents are – whether they are avid recreational, commuter, amateur, professional or occasional recreational riders and if they’ve ever ridden their bicycles in the Cave Creek/Carefree area.
It goes on to ask if cyclists believe Cave Creek/Carefree are bicycle-friendly towns, if they welcome cyclists, if it’s a safe place to ride, if either town accommodates cyclists.
That survey asks respondents what their favorite thing about riding in the area is and what three things the towns could do to attract more bicyclists.
The surveys are available at CaveCreekCarefree.azmag.gov
Learn more about the study, the initial findings and provide input at a public meeting from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the Holland Community Center, 34250 N. 60th St., Scottsdale.
