Bikeway Data Inventory Project

MARC is seeking help from local governments and agencies to fact-check bikeway data for Greater Kansas City. This inventory is a wholesale effort to collect the most bikeway data from every community. We are seeking all bikeway data not just recent additions or revisions.

May 2012: FINAL BIKEWAY DATA REVIEW

MARC staff have completed all requested edits on the KC area bikeway facility data for the regional bikeway map update. We are ready for your FINAL review prior to completing the map layout and printing.

Please review the draft bikeway data here: http://gis.marc2.org/Bikeways.This online map will allow you to zoom in to features for closer inspection. Please review the data for bikeway facility type, name and placement. Bikeway names on or along roadways by have the name of the roadway unless you have specified a different name.

As a reminder, the published map will be designed for the public and will only show existing facilities. We have maintained data on your proposed facilities, but you will not be able to see them in the online or printed maps. Please review the bikeways in your area to verify that only public, open facilities are shown.

Please take a moment to review the map for your area, and send any needed corrections to us by May 7. Your assistance will help publish the updated regional bikeway map this Spring.

An accurate bikeway inventory is important to several regional planning initiatives, ranging from Creating Sustainable Places to MetroGreen to Public Safety to Complete Streets.

Accurate and up-to-date bikeway information is used for production of the regional Bikeways and Trails Map for public use. A new regional Bikeway and Trails Map will be published in Spring of 2012 in print and electronic formats.

The updated data will help expand the regional 9-1-1 system to off-road trails, and will help identify opportunities to provide connections between cities and counties through regional planning. Planning and proposed bikeways are also important for programming Transportation Enhancements, Safe Routes to School, Congestion Mitigation Air Quality and Surface Transportation Program funds.

This is why we need your help to ensure that MARC has accurate information about bikeways and trails in your community. This collaborative process will benefit our agencies and area in many ways.

Benefits of the bikeway data collection process

Highlight connections. Mapping the local bikeways will allow planners and citizens to look beyond their boundaries to see opportunities to establish regional connections.
Standardization of data. As MARC has done with other regional data sets – such as land use and streams – the information submitted will be standardized into a single form that's easy to share and use across boundaries.
Data development assistance. Some cities across the metro area may not have the resources to develop their own maps and data. MARC will freely provide all the information and data created through this project to local governments and the community.
Fill data gaps. By consolidating regional data, MARC will be able to identify where gaps exist in current plans and information collection. The more communities that participate, the more comprehensive the data record will be.
Data available to all. The standardized data will be made available for anyone to easily access online.

Data Collection Timeline

Submit bikeway information to the MARC by Thursday, January 12, 2012.
The MARC draft bikeway GIS dataset will be released for review Friday, February 24, 2012.
Communities should submit final corrections no later than May 7, 2012.

Your timely response to this request for information is necessary for a complete and accurate bikeway inventory. An online version of the map will be maintained and updated as needed.

Bikeway Data

Bikeway information will be accepted in any format, but GIS data is preferred. Mail or email Andrea Repinsky, a member of our Research Services staff, directly at arepinsky@marc.org or 816-701-8385 (Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m.).

Mid-America Regional Council
Attention: Andrea Repinsky
600 Broadway, Suite 200
Kansas City, MO 64105-1659

Download 2006 GIS data: 2006 Regional Bikeways.zip (3 MB)
If you would like to see the data we collected for your community, you may download the 2006 bikeway GIS data. This shapefile will not reflect new facilities constructed between 2006 and the present, nor will does it include community bikeway plans developed after 2006.

Required attributes of bikeway data or maps:
MARC staff members will merge local jurisdiction bikeway data into a regional bikeway line dataset and schema. The coordination of a multi-jurisdictional bikeway system is simplified by using standardized terminology. MARC will use the following terms and definitions to inventory bikeway data in the area.

FACILITY NAME– is used to identify a facility for public use. For example, a shared use path may be named after the stream it follows, a rail-road corridor, the roadway it parallels or a unique name based on historical or community significance. All bike lanes, signed bike route and other identified shared roadway will default to the roadway name unless otherwise specified.
MANAGING ENITITY – is the department or agency within a government organization that is responsible for maintenance of a facility. Shared use paths along streamways may fall under the management of a Parks and Recreation Department; whereas those along a roadway may fall under the management of a Public Works Department.
FACILITY CONTACT NAME – is the individual responsible for inquiries. (This information is for MARC use only)
FACILITY CONTACT PHONE – is the phone number and extension of the contact individual. (This information is for MARC use only)
FACILITY CONTACT E-MAIL – is the electronic mail address of the contact individual. (This information is for MARC use only)
BIKEWAY STATUS
- E = Existing - facilities include all bikeways regardless of type which have been designated for public use and are open for operation.
- PL = Planned - facilities includes all bikeways regardless of type which meet any one or more development phase: project programming, preliminary engineering, construction design, or under construction.
- PR = Proposed - facilities included all bikeways regardless of type which are part of a long term vision for a future bikeway network. The source of the community plan should be provided.
BIKEWAY DESIGN TYPES
- SUP = Shared Use Path - a bikeway physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the highway right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. Shared use paths are also used for transportation and/or recreation by pedestrians, skaters, wheelchair users (both non-motorized and motorized), joggers and other non-motorized users. AASHTO recommends a minimum of 10 feet width (in rare cases, 8 feet).
- MBT = Mountain Bike Trail – is a bikeway that is solely designed and designated for the sport of mountain biking. This type of bikeway is often found near rivers or within parks that have rough train.
- PHT = Pedestrian Hike Trail – is a type of trail designated for pedestrian use only. These trails may include natural or paved surfaces.
- ET = Equestrian Trail – is a trail designated for use by equestrians.
- BL = Bike Lane - a portion of a roadway which has been designated by pavement markings and, if used, signs, for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists.
- SBR = Signed Bike Route - a roadway or bikeway designated by the jurisdiction having authority, either with a unique route designation or with BIKE ROUTE signs, along which bicycle guide signs may provide directional and distance information. Signs that provide directional, distance, and destination information for cyclists do not necessarily establish a bicycle route.
- SR = Shared Roadway - a roadway that is open to both bicycle and motor vehicle travel. This may be an existing roadway (signed with a “Share the Road” sign assembly, shared lane marking or other approved MUTCD traffic control device), a street with wide curb lanes, or a road with paved shoulders lane of a traveled way that is open to bicycle travel and vehicular use.
SURFACE TYPE
- A = Asphalt
- CO = Concrete
- CR = Crushed Limestone
- O = Other

MARC will be maintaining the bikeway dataset, and will collect bikeway data updates regularly in the future. For more information, contact Andrea Repinsky at arepinsky@marc.org or 816-701-8385.