CITY OF FRANKLIN

FRANKLIN TRAILS COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA

FRANKLIN CITY HALL HEARING ROOM
9229 WEST LOOMIS ROAD-FRANKLIN, WISCONSIN
6:00 PM, Thursday, July 8, 2010

I. Call to Order & Roll Call

II. Approval of Minutes

A. June 8, 2010

III. Business Items (Action may be taken on any item)

A. Franklin – Pedestrian Road Show/Walking Workshop 2010

B. Safe Routes to School Grant Application

C. Review of existing and future bicycle and pedestrian circulation

facilities

D. Public Input

E. Schedule Next Meeting

IV. Adjournment

Notice is given that a majority of the Franklin Common Council and/or Plan Commission may attend this
meeting to gather information about an agenda item over which they have decision making responsibility.
This may constitute a meeting of the Common Council or Plan Commission per State ex rel. Badke v.
Greendale Village Board, even though the Common Council will not take formal action at this meeting.

Notice is further given that upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of
disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional information, please contact the
Franklin City Clerk’s office at (414) 425-7500.
 City of Franklin Unapproved
Franklin Trails Committee Meeting
June 8, 2010
Minutes

CALL TO ORDER I. The regular meeting of the Franklin Trails Committee was held on
June 8, 2010 and called to order at 6:12 p.m. by Franklin Trails
Secretary Fuchs in the Franklin City Hall Hearing Room, 9229
West Loomis Road, Franklin, Wisconsin.
Present were Chairman Fowler (arrived at 6:22 p.m.), Aldermen
Wilhelm (arrived at 6:18 p.m.) and Solomon, and Members Haley
(arrived at 6:15 p.m.), Bolton, Michlig, and Kowalski. Also
present was Senior Planner Fuchs.

MINUTES II.
May 6, 2010 A. Member Michlig moved and Member Bolton seconded approval
of the Regular Meeting of May 6, 2010 Franklin Trails Committee
minutes as amended at roll call. All voted 'aye', motion carried.

BUSINESS ITEMS III.

Franklin-Pedestrian Road A. Nathan Guequierre, Senior Planner, URS Corporation, conducted
Show/Walking Workshop 2010 a prioritizing exercise beginning at 7:32 p.m. for all attendees
present. Members returned to their seats at 7:42 p.m.

Discussion only regarding the Pedestrian Road Show/Walking

Workshop 2010. No action needed, none taken.

Comprehensive Master Plan B. Discussion only on an amendment to the 2025 Comprehensive

Amendment – Milwaukee County Master Plan regarding the Milwaukee County Trails Network
Trails Network Plan Plan. No action needed, none taken.

Public Input C. No one came forward and spoke to the items as discussed.

Schedule Next Meeting D. The next scheduled meeting of the Franklin Trails Committee is
Thursday, July 8, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT IV. Member Haley moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
Seconded by Member Kowalski. All voted 'aye'; motion carried.
URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop DRAFT: 6/16/2010

Franklin Walking Workshop Final Report

Draft for Review

This document details results of a Walking Workshop held on April 17, 2010 in the City of Franklin,
Wisconsin.
The goal of a Walking Workshop is to help neighborhoods increase the number and safety of walking
trips - to school, work, for shopping, errands, and for recreation and health. The Walking Workshop and
follow-up meeting are planning tools to gather public input from neighborhood residents and business
owners about how best to make the area a safer, more pleasant place for walkers.
The Franklin Walking Workshop study area neighborhood is located along S. 51 st Street between W.
Drexel Avenue and W. Rawson Avenue. The City of Franklin is currently designing a sidewalk for
installation on the east side of 51st Street, from Drexel Avenue northward approximately 1/3 mile. At the
Walking Workshop, approximately 60 residents, businesspeople and local officials learned about reasons
for improving walkability and the barriers that discourage people from walking. Workshop participants
undertook a neighborhood walk to identify ways to improve the local pedestrian and bicycling
environment and then engaged in a mapping exercise to brainstorm solutions for Franklin.
Workshop participants generated specific strategies to bring about a more walkable community.
They offered their ideas about how to complete safe walking connections, calm traffic and improve
compliance with traffic safety laws through education, engineering, and enforcement. A dozen attendees
at a follow-up meeting held at Franklin City Hall on June 8, 2010 reviewed the results of the workshop. At
that meeting, the draft recommendations were evaluated and prioritized for implementation.
An overview of those solutions to improve walkability in Franklin is found on pages 3 through 5 of this
report. A detailed list begins on page 8.

Report Organization
Introduction............................................................................................................................... 1
Walking Workshop Overview ................................................................................................... 2
Recommendation Summary..................................................................................................... 3
Priority Recommendation Details ............................................................................................. 6
Full Recommendation List with Revisions................................................................................ 8

The Franklin Walking Workshop was sponsored by the City of Franklin Trails Committee, and funded
by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Bureau of Transportation Safety. Staff support was
provided by the City of Franklin Common Council and Department of City Development. The workshop
was conducted by Nathan Guequierre, a planner at URS Corporation.

This report is conceptual or preliminary in nature and is not to be used as the sole basis for final
design, construction or remedial action, or as a basis for major capital decisions. Further studies as
noted should be performed prior to such decisions. The recommendations included in this report
were developed by workshop participants and based on their understanding of conditions in the
study area. URS has relied on this information as furnished, is neither responsible for nor has
confirmed the accuracy of this information.

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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop DRAFT: 6/16/2010

WALKING WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Walking Workshops bring together a wide variety of stakeholders interested in improving walking
conditions in a neighborhood. Approximately 65 residents, business owners, city representatives and
others attended the Franklin Walking Workshop, held on April 17, 2010, at the Clare Meadows senior
apartment community, 7700 S. 51st Street.
After a welcome from the mayor and common council members, participants expressed their vision
for the neighborhood’s future or identified particular issues for walkability in the study area. See attached
figure.
These preliminary statements guided the development of recommended actions:
 Connect to key locations in developing  Need a development policy for trails
areas, as areas develop  Provide for independence for non-
 Safe access to schools driving population
 Motivate Franklin citizens to walk  Access to Pleasant View School
 Prioritize key projects  Walking on 51st Street
 Make pedestrian improvements in a  Safety for pedestrians – there was a
fiscally responsible manner fatal crash near the school
 Maintain existing facilities  Create city-county partnerships
 Provide equitable transportation choices  Pedestrian access to the High School
for all residents  Provide for ability to walk to community
 Create better off-street facilities events and facilities
 Address traffic speeds  Safe access throughout the city for
 Provide options for travel pedestrians
 Lack of terrace makes it difficult to build  Create safe facilities so that Franklin
sidewalks residents can enjoy outdoor activities
 Lack of connectivity is the key issue

Over lunch provided by Moondance Cafe, the URS facilitator gave a presentation on reasons for
improving walkability, barriers to walking, and the range of techniques used elsewhere to improve
walkability. Stakeholders then took a walk of the neighborhood to identify areas for improvement. After
the walk, they returned to the meeting room to engage in a map exercise to identify projects, programs
and policies to meet their goals.
Approximately 70 individual recommendations were generated in the small group exercises. The
recommendations were revised, elaborated and prioritized at a follow up meeting held on June 8, 2010. A
dozen people attended this meeting. The recommendations are summarized in the tables on the following
three pages. The tables on the following pages provide an overview of recommendations to improve
pedestrian and bicycle conditions in the study area. The list is organized by type of recommendation –
Project, Program or Policy – and by likely time frame to implement it. Short-term initiatives could be
completed within 18 months; medium-term recommendations within three years; and long-term
recommendations could take up to five years to implement. Priority recommendations are noted with
italics, and those receiving the highest prioritization are in bold italics. The complete list of
recommendations begins on page 8.

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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS (Short-term = within 18 months, medium-term = within three years; long-term = within five years)
Short-term Recommendations
Projects
Improve key crossings of 51st Street with in-street
yield to pedestrian signs
Install in-street yield signs wherever appropriate
Install benches for resting where appropriate
DRAFT: 6/16/2010
Medium-term Recommendations Long-term Recommendations
Install pedestrian countdown signals at 51st Street Construct sidewalk on at least one side of 51st
near high school Street
Improve drainage at 51st Street and Rawson
Construct shared use path on 51st Street
Road, and 51st Street and Drexel Avenue
Improve crosswalks on 51st Street at Rawson,
Minnesota, Marquette, Clare Meadows, Drexel Do not add vehicle lanes to 51st Street
and the High School
Encourage the construction of a rest station (with
Install traffic calming on 51st Street at key crossing
ice cream stand) at 51st Street and Marquette
locations
Avenue
Create a trail connection south of Drexel Avenue
Construct a trail from Pleasant View School to
between 60th and 51st Streets, and east to
Victory Creek subdivision; include benches
Northwestern Mutual Life campus
Construct a trail eastward from Pleasant View Construct trail connection between High School
School and High View subdivision
Construct a trail between Evergreen Court and
Construct a trail to Oak Leaf Trail through City of
new park to the east (and north-south trail
Milwaukee nursery
connection)
Construct a trail & emergency access from fire Create a path along river from 60th Street to River
station to High School Street
Construct a trail to High School paths from 51st
Construct workout stations along trail system
Street near Drexel Avenue
Extend Marquette Ave. from 49th Street to 51st
City acquire Potrekus property outright
Street
Install pedestrian bump outs on collectors at key
Extend Marquette Ave. westward to 49th Street
crossing locations
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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop DRAFT: 6/16/2010

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS (Short-term = within 18 months, medium-term = within three years; long-term = within five years)

Short-term Recommendations Medium-term Recommendations Long-term Recommendations

Programs

Work with Eagle Scout program to prioritize

Work with High School wood shop classes to pedestrian improvement projects: footbridge
create signage for trail system to connect to High School; nature trail at High
School pond

Work with health department to distribute walking

routes brochure
Coordinate walking program (group walks) with
Pleasant View School (Movin’ and Munchin’
Program)
Develop Walking School Bus program with
Pleasant View School

Create safe walking/motorist responsibilities

information materials for schools

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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS (Short-term = within 18 months, medium-term = within three years; long-term = within five years)
Short-term Recommendations
Policies
Undertake targeted traffic speed enforcement
program on 51st Street
Plan trail connections together with school
district and neighbors.
Develop standards for trail and sidewalk design to
meet needs
Work pro-actively with the Potrekus family to
complete key connection through their property
before a development is proposed
Focus pedestrian improvement activities on
“urbanized” areas of the city
Include operations and maintenance costs in
estimate cost of trails to city
Prohibit motorized vehicles on trails, except for
emergency vehicles and mobility aids
Develop policy to plan trail connections early
and integrate them at the design phase of
development projects, even if they aren’t to be
constructed right away
DRAFT: 6/16/2010
Medium-term Recommendations Long-term Recommendations
Develop sidewalk and crosswalk enhancement
Establish trail design policy to include locations for
policy to plan for implementation with street
lighting, emergency and maintenance access, and
resurfacing or reconstruction to minimize costs
ADA standards
and leverage investments
Identify partners to pursue grant opportunities
cooperatively and pro-actively: city, county, Plan major trail development cooperatively with
MMSD, state, school district, health department, Milwaukee County
economic development committee
Commit city resources to research and apply for
Discourage walking on arterials by planning and
pedestrian facility and programming grants; this is
creating parallel routes on safe streets
an ideal internship opportunity
Develop cooperative sidewalk funding policy to
Create development agreement policy to provide
share costs between developers, city and
sidewalks on all collector streets
neighbors likely to benefit
Commit to pedestrians at a policy level; determine
appropriate policy changes to enhance walkability
and adopt them
Adopt trail design guidelines that include rest
locations, shade, lighting and signage
Consider policy to include police call boxes on
trails to enhance perceptions of safety
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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop DRAFT: 6/16/2010

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS AND FACILITATOR COMMENTS

Priority recommendations are those judged by workshop participants to have the highest value for
immediate implementation. The city and its stakeholders should organize the implementation of the
priority recommendations noted in bold italics in the foregoing tables. This section elaborates on key
priority recommendations.

Construct a trail to connect Pleasant View School to Victory Creek subdivision, include benches.
This recommendation is well supported. Funding could include the use of a Coast Management Grant as
it is close to the Root River. The Parks Committee has some money. Access options will be evaluated in
the next month. At least one pedestrian bridge will be necessary, which could cost up to $200,000 for
design and construction. This may require an easement from the school district, and would improve
access both the Pleasant View School and the High School. This entire area needs a plan for the
undeveloped park.
The project could be phased this way:
 Evaluate structural condition of existing bridge (city engineers);
 Secure access easement and construct wood chip trail;
 Design east-west connecting trail north of Victory Creek. This project will require improved
communication and cooperation between Trails Committee and Parks Committee, and better
communication with neighborhood stakeholders.

Facilitator’s Comments.
This is a key recommendation, both to meet stakeholder expectations to achieve the objectives of the
Franklin Trails Committee. Its implementation will also enfold a number of other priority and non-priority
recommendations to meet the challenges of this project. Those challenges largely involve internal
organization, stakeholder involvement and public communication, along with the commitment of
resources to this popular project.
Ideally, this trail project would be undertaken in the context of developing an design plan for the
undeveloped city park north of the Victory Creek subdivision. However, as the trails will connect the
schools, residences and ultimately provide broader transportation connections to businesses and
community facilities, it will likely require a cooperative effort including the school district, Parks
Committee, Trails Committee, the Franklin Engineering and City Development departments, and key
neighborhood stakeholders, especially Clare Meadows, the Potrekus estate, adjacent property owners,
MMSD and emergency service providers.
Essentially, this means creating an area plan for the whole corridor to ensure that connections are
reasonable and stakeholders are supportive of any future improvements. One approach may be the
formation of a Trail Design Task Force, including members of all the groups listed above. With the
exception of the Potrekus estate, these groups were present at the Walking Workshop, and those results
form the basis of a conceptual pedestrian plan for the area. It may be desirable to engage a consultant to
advise on trail and park design issues and help manage the public engagement process. Additionally,
several potential funding sources have been identified, including the impact fees fund, Coastal
Management Grants, and Safe Routes to School grants. Conducting a special planning process, based
on transparency and good communications between city departments and committee and neighbors will
build further support for this effort.
The same process could be used to explore the trail connections into and through the High School
campus. As a final note, while wood chips may be acceptable trail surface to enable quick
implementation, they are not necessarily desirable for a permanent trail surface. Wood chip surfaces can
be difficult for cyclists to navigate due to lack of compaction, and may become muddy in wet weather.

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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop DRAFT: 6/16/2010

Appended to the end of this document is a page from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s
Wisconsin Bicycle Facility Design Handbook. This page documents various trail surface treatments and
their advantages and disadvantages.

Crosswalk Improvements in the 51st Street Corridor

 Use countdown signals at an improved crossing of 51st Street near the High School. The
implementation of countdown signals is a low-budget, high priority item. There may be opportunities
near the High School for in-street yield signs
 Improve crossing on 51st Street at Rawson, Minnesota, Marquette, Clare Meadows entrance, Drexel
and at the High School; use in-street signs where appropriate. This recommendation is derived from
the desire of residents to access walking paths and trails on the west side of 51st Street.
 Use pedestrian bumpouts where appropriate on collectors
 In-street yield signs where appropriate

Facilitator’s Comments
These recommendations point to stakeholders’ desire to see improvements to crosswalks at higher
pedestrian volume locations throughout the corridor. This will likely become more and more necessary
throughout Franklin as commercial development creates destinations, and residents require options for
safe travel between residential, commercial, recreational and institutional land uses. The Sendik’s
development at 51st and Rawson offers excellent design guidance for internal pedestrian circulation. The
city may identify key crossing locations based on land use, presence of sidewalk and trails, and neighbor
input. Once identified, numerous options for crosswalk improvement are available. Key solutions include:
 Pedestrian countdown signals. These are generally appropriate at intersections that are already
signalized, particularly those with complex traffic movements or multi-stage crossings (i.e. with refuge
medians or free-flow right turn lanes with separating “pork chop” island). Countdown signals provide
pedestrians with additional information about the duration of crossing phases compared to the
standard walk-flash-don’t walk signal heads. The intersections of 51st Street with Rawson and 51st
Street with Drexel are good candidates for countdown signals. Furthermore, due to the presence of a
high proportion of senior citizens at Clare Meadows, it may be appropriate to evaluate the walk phase
durations with the recently revised slower walk speed assumptions provided in FHWA guidance. The
city should evaluate likely locations for pedestrian countdown signals using the best information and
methodology available.
 In-Street Yield to Pedestrian Signs. In-street yield to pedestrian signs (Sign R1-6) can be very
effective in increasing motorist yielding behavior on low-speed, two-lane urban streets, particularly in
business districts with high levels of pedestrian activity. As a higher-speed roadway with a rural cross
section and lower pedestrian volumes, they may not be appropriate for 51 st Street in the study area
and could presumably lead to decreased pedestrian and motorist safety. It may be better for the city
to provide sidewalks on 51st Street and encourage crossing at signalized locations where motorists
are more likely to expect pedestrian activity. Some locations in the study area may benefit from in-
street yield signs, such as near Pleasant View School. Locations must be carefully evaluated using
the best credible research and the experience of communities where these signs are in use. These
signs are relatively inexpensive to implement, but they do have ongoing operating costs, as they must
be regularly refaced and are typically removed for snow plowing. The city could contact other
municipalities – Shorewood, Milwaukee, and Whitefish Bay among them – for information on
associated costs.
 High-Visibility Crosswalks. Improvements such as pedestrian-activated signals, speed tables,
overhead flashers, and pedestrian bumpouts can have marked impacts on improving pedestrian
safety and convenience, lowering traffic speeds and improving rates of motorist yielding. Typically,
such infrastructure improvements are implemented with larger street reconstruction or resurfacing
projects where they add marginal costs. The Federal Highway Administration and Institute of
Transportation Engineers provide comprehensive guidance on evaluating locations for such
improvements. The city could consider them in the planning of roadway reconstruction, with other

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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop DRAFT: 6/16/2010

capital projects or as grant funding becomes available. Additionally, WisDOT has allowed some
municipalities to experiment with innovative designs for crosswalk improvements; a new pedestrian-
activated signal designed for crosswalks at mid-block locations has recently been implemented in
Grafton with good results.

COMPLETE LIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS WITH REVISIONS

The following list includes all recommendations generated at the Walking Workshop, including
elaborations and revisions from the follow up meeting. Items in bold appeared multiple times on list of
recommendations, but are listed only once for brevity. Starred items were added by the facilitator based
on conversations at the workshop and technical review.

Project Recommendations

51st Street Projects

1. Construct sidewalk on at least one side of 51st Street between Drexel and Rawson. Easier to
construct on west side, serve more people directly on east side. This sidewalk is likely to be
constructed within two years. Maintenance of new sidewalks is a key issue for residents, especially in
areas that are not currently served by sidewalks. Responsibility for snow clearance is a particular
concern. Some area communities clear snow from sidewalks, some require property owners to keep
sidewalks snow-free. Franklin currently falls in the latter category for areas with sidewalks. Sidewalks
are a safety and quality of life issue, and some education of citizens may be required.
2. Construct shared use path on 51st Street
3. Do not add lanes to 51st Street
4. Fix drainage issue at 51st Street and Rawson Road and Drexel Avenue and at all high
pedestrian traffic locations
5. Use countdown signals at an improved crossing of 51st Street near the High School. The
implementation of countdown signals is a low-budget, high priority item. There may be opportunities
near the High School for in-street yield signs
6. Improve crossing on 51st Street at Rawson, Minnesota, Marquette, Clare Meadows entrance,
Drexel and at the High School; use in-street signs where appropriate. This recommendation is
derived from the desire of residents to access walking paths and trails on the west side of 51 st Street.
7. Encourage the construction of a rest station/ice cream shop/food stand on 51st Street at Marquette. A
location for a rest area has been identified in sidewalk planning. Food service is unlikely.
8. Traffic calming on 51st Street at key crossing locations

Trail Connections and Amenities

9. South of Drexel, create a connection between 60th and 51st Streets and eastward to
Northwestern Mutual Life office complex
10. Construct a trail to connect Pleasant View School to Victory Creek subdivision, include
benches. This recommendation is well supported. Funding could include the use of a Coast
Management Grant as it is close to the Root River. The Parks Committee has some money. Access
options will be evaluated in the next month. At least one pedestrian bridge will be necessary, which
could cost up to $200,000 for design and construction. This may require an easement from the school
district, and would improve access both the Pleasant View School and the High School. This entire
area needs a plan, for the undeveloped park. The project could be phased this way: 1) evaluate
structural condition of existing bridge (city engineers); 2) Secure access easement and construct
wood chip trail; 3) Design east-west connecting trail north of Victory Creek. This project will require
improved communication and cooperation between Trails Committee and Parks Committee, and
better communication with neighborhood stakeholders.

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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop DRAFT: 6/16/2010

11. Construct trail eastward from Pleasant View School. The trail exists, but should be formalized
and improved. The property is owned by the city. This project is likely possible within the context of
the current city budget.
12. Create path to connect Evergreen Court eastward to new park
13. Address pedestrian and bike connection between High School campus and High View subdivision to
west and High View drive to south. This should be a priority project. An informal path exists now, and
it should be formalized. Some consider the area unsafe, but this could likely be addressed through
design: adequate lighting and landscaping, and through police presence after nighttime events at the
High School. It will reduce parking demand at major High School events.
14. Construct trail from Fire Station and subdivision to High School
15. Construct a trail to Oak Leaf Trail through the City of Milwaukee Nursery
16. Create emergency access path from Fire Station #3 to High School, also to be accessible to
pedestrians and bikes
17. Construct trail to High School paths from 51st Street
18. Create pathway along river from 60th Street to River Street
19. Construct workout stations along trail system
20. Add mile markers and informational signage on trail system

Access Projects
21. Extend Marquette Avenue west from 49th Street to 51st Street. Include sidewalks. Continue efforts
to secure easement.
22. Extend Marquette Avenue westward to 49th Street. This is being undertaken now.
23. City should acquire Potrekus property outright

Other Projects
24. Use pedestrian bumpouts where appropriate on collectors
25. In-street yield signs where appropriate
26. Install benches for resting at strategic locations

Policy Recommendations

1. Plan connections early and integrate them at initial design phase as land is being developed, even if
they aren’t to be constructed right away. This should be a short-term recommendation and
implemented immediately.
2. Targeted traffic speed enforcement on 51st Street
3. Design trails to include locations for lighting, emergency and maintenance access and to ADA
standards; *10-foot trail width will meet WisDOT Shared Use Trail standards
4. Identify partners to pursue grant opportunities cooperatively and pro-actively: City, County,
MMSD, State, School District, Health Department, Economic Development committee. The
school district and city should plan trail connections together. *Plan trail development in
concert with Milwaukee County
5. Commit city resources to research and apply for grants; *this is an ideal internship opportunity to be
overseen by Community Development Department. This is a priority.
6. Develop cooperative sidewalk funding policy, to share costs between developers, city and neighbors
likely to benefit
7. Develop standards for trail and sidewalk design to accommodate needs. Five-foot sidewalks are
standard, unless they are accommodating two way traffic (i.e. only on one side of a roadway).

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URS Milwaukee: Franklin Walking Workshop DRAFT: 6/16/2010

8. Prioritize and work with property owners to complete key trail connections. Work pro-actively
with Potrekus family for the key connection necessary through their property. Do this before a
development proposal comes along
9. Focus pedestrian improvement efforts on “urbanized” areas of the city
10. Commit to pedestrians at a policy level
11. Create parallel routes on safe streets to provide options for walking in busy arterial roadway corridors.
12. Create development agreement policy to provide sidewalks on all collector streets
13. Establish trail design guidelines that include rest locations, shade provision, lighting, signage*
14. Include operations and maintenance costs in estimating the cost of trails to the City.
15. No motorized vehicles on trail system except emergency services and mobility aids
16. Include police call boxes on trails
17. Draft sidewalk policy for new development and streets. Consider developing sidewalk policy
and plan to be implemented with street resurfacing or reconstruction to minimize costs and
leverage investments
18. Explore the applicability of a Complete Streets policy for Franklin.

Program Recommendations

1. Work with Eagle Scout program to prioritize pedestrian improvement projects: footbridge to connect
to High School; Nature Trail at High School pond
2. Work with school wood shop classes to create signage program for trail system
3. Work with health department to distribute walking routes brochure
4. Coordinate walking program (group walks) with Pleasant View School “Movin’ and Munchin’” program
5. Create walking routes map and information on safe walking/motorist responsibilities for each school.
*The Green Ribbon Campaign utilized in Salt Lake City, Utah and adapted in Whitefish Bay,
Wisconsin provides a workable, successful model for pedestrian and motorist education.
6. Initiate cooperative communications campaign to distribute walking information at Fourth of July, Little
League and other community events. Draft pedestrian planning updates for city newsletter.

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 Table 4-7: Path Surface Summary
Surface Material Advantages Disadvantages
Soil cement Uses natural materials, more Surface wears unevenly, not a
durable than native soils, stable all-weather surface,
smoother surface, low cost. erodes, difficult to achieve cor-
rect mix.

Crushed aggregate Soft but firm surface, natural
material, moderate cost (varies
regionally), smooth surface,
accommodates multiple use.
Surface can rut or erode with
heavy rainfall, regular mainte-
nance to keep consistent sur-
face, replenishing stones may
be a long-term expense, not for
steep slopes.

Asphalt Hard surface, supports most High installation cost, costly to

types of use, all weather, does repair, not a natural surface,
not erode, accommodates most freeze/thaw can crack surface,
users simultaneously, low main- heavy construction vehicles
tenance. need access.

Concrete Hardest surface, easy to form to High installation cost, joints

site conditions, supports multi- must be sawn for smooth ride,
ple use, lowest maintenance, costly to repair, not natural look-
resists freeze/thaw, best cold ing, construction vehicles will
weather surface. need access to the trail corridor.

Native soil Natural material, lowest cost,
low maintenance, can be altered
for future improvements, easiest
for volunteers to build and main-
tain.
Dusty, ruts when wet, not an all-
weather surface, can be uneven
and bumpy, limited use, inappro-
priate for bicycles and wheel-
chairs.

Recycled materials Good use of recyclable materi- High purchase and installation
als, surface can vary depending cost, life expectancy unknown.
on materials.

speeds. And, they have typically been built in less time and at lower cost
than paths built with asphalt or concrete. However, the surface of choice
in one part of the state may be expensive elsewhere. For example, lime-
stone topped off with screenings is expensive in central and western Wis-
consin. There, some agencies use rotten disintegrated granite while oth-
ers have used seal coat treatments (e.g., Chippewa River Trail, Omaha
Trail). Whichever material is available in a particular part of the state, it is
fair to say that crushed aggregate is the preferred surface type for the
majority of Wisconsin’s many “rail-trails.”

Wisconsin Bicycle Facility Design Manual 4-26