3.3.2.a Pedestrian Discussion

The most basic transportation option is walking. Walking is the most popular form of exercise in the United States and can be performed by people of all ages and income levels; however, it is not often considered as a means of travel. This is mainly because pedestrian facilities are generally an afterthought and not planned as an integral part of the transportation system.

The city’s pedestrian network consists of sidewalks, trails, and street crossings. Surprise has many areas that seem especially conducive to walking for recreation and transportation, particularly within the planned village core areas, within its neighborhoods, and along the washes that traverse the city. The city has in the past established policies to encourage improvement of the pedestrian network in those areas, through pedestrian connections between neighborhoods and other areas. Some parts of the city are well served by an extensive sidewalk network and pleasant walking conditions. Pedestrian connectivity along washes and canals is lacking and must be given significant attention. The Alternative Modes Plan includes multi-purpose paths, and a variety of trail corridors for pedestrian activity. Trails include local routes and also corridors included in the Maricopa County Regional Trails Plan. The Alternative Modes Plan is shown on Map 3.3A.

Pedestrian Improvement Priorities

Barriers to pedestrian movement limit the viability of walking as a form of transportation in some parts of the city. Specific pedestrian issues raised during “pedestrian hot spot” discussion undertaken as part of the new Surprise General Plan 2030 preparation include the lack of pedestrian crossings at intersections, the lack of sidewalks along some streets, difficult crossings on certain intersections, and train crossings at a number of locations.

In addition, measures may be required in special areas to reduce vehicle speed and induce traffic calming. The Surprise General Plan 2030 seeks to promote walking within Surprise by improving pedestrian connections, increasing pedestrian safety and creating a land use context supportive of pedestrian travel.

Minimizing conflict between transportation modes

Pedestrians face obstacles and conflicts with motorists when roadways and developments are designed primarily for the automobile. Even if pedestrian facilities are provided, high-speed, high volume roadways with large intersections create barriers for pedestrians. In designing roadways, the impact that the different modes have on each other must be balanced. A large number of public comments received during the general plan development process have indicated a strong need for better pedestrian connectivity throughout the city, especially the need to address major pedestrian barriers. In addition the need to create a more pedestrian friendly environment (with amenities, traffic calming, and safer intersections) has been extensively noted, particularly within high activity centers and nearby neighborhoods.

Facility Improvements

The city of Surprise requires sidewalks along all public streets as part of new developments. Retrofitting existing developed areas to add sidewalks and/or curb ramps is also being done, but is a more difficult and controversial task. This issue has been noted extensively in public comments on pedestrian transportation.

Design for pedestrian facilities for persons with special needs

Limitations experienced by the elderly, children, and persons with a disability should be considered in the design of pedestrian and other transportation facilities. “Accessible”
design is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can benefit able-bodied users as well. Numerous public comments received during the general plan process have
stressed the need for better pedestrian facilities, especially for the residents with disabilities who rely on them most.

Maintenance of pedestrian facilities

Continued maintenance efforts are needed to assure that pedestrian areas, including bus stops are in a usable state of repair. This is especially important for the elderly and persons with a disability in order to maintain their mobility.