Kale Low-Stress Bicycling Routes & Network Connectivity in the City of

This terminal project is a non-thesis final project for the Master of City and Regional Planning at Clemson University, completed in May 2016.

Gratitude to:
- Dr. Eric Morris, Committee Chair
- Dr. Cliff Ellis, Committee Member
- Prof. Stephan Sperry, GIS Advisor

Observations from cities with successful bicycling networks reveal substantial benefits in quality of life through enhanced local economy, safety, and environment.
Community needs assessment for current and potential bicyclists is essential to increase cycling rates and enhance safety perceptions through design and proper facilities.
Hickory's past planning efforts failed due to inadequate construction and fragmented plans, limiting cyclist safety.
Recommendations identify a connective network of bicycling routes promoting safety, modeling data on trip demand density and stress levels, influenced by key literature and previous successful plans.
The strategy includes two implementation scenarios:
1. Scenario 1: Prioritizes low-cost, high-demand routes addressing safety concerns.
2. Scenario 2: Focuses on immediate cyclist needs, promoting rapid user growth regardless of costs.
Recommended facilities will support a diverse cycling population with safety and accessibility in mind, aiming for economic revitalization through increased cycling activity.

Hickory, located in Catawba County, has relatively lower growth rates than the state of North Carolina but is the most populous in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton area.
The city is beginning to recognize the importance of cycling as part of transportation, following North Carolina's statewide initiatives advocating for biking and pedestrian facilities.
Hickory's transportation infrastructure has been inadequate for bicycles, emphasizing the need for better connectivity and safe routes to encourage cycling.

Economic Advantages:
- Affordable transport (5-10 cents/mile for bicycles vs. 58.5 cents for cars).
- Increased revenue for businesses near biking facilities (e.g., Swamp Rabbit Trail result: 30-50% sales increase).
Environmental Impact:
- Bicycles generate 97% fewer emissions than cars.
- Potential to replace short car trips with cycling reduces environmental harm.
Health:
- Regular cycling provides health benefits, reducing obesity-related healthcare costs.
- CDC estimates only 20% of adults meet exercise guidelines; cycling can address this by integrating physical activity into daily routines.

Analyzes existing infrastructure, trip demand, and cyclist stress levels to propose a model for a bicycle network addressing the needs of diverse cyclist populations.
Data is gathered via aerial photos, GIS mapping, and previous bicycling plans.

Phased development prioritizing affordable facilities that encourage safe biking (details on mileage and specific routes provided).

Prioritize routes based purely on potential ridership and cycling stress levels, with high-demand facilities constructed first.

Hickory's initiative to implement a bicycle-friendly network has the potential to significantly enhance community health, economy, and safety.
Continuous advocacy and political support, along with strategic integration into urban planning, are essential for successful implementation.