Bicycle Friendly Communities

Tempe, AZ | Silver Level

Engineering: Bicycling in Tempe has become a viable means of transportation with more than 165 miles of dedicated bikeways. The city places a special emphasis on a traffic calming policy, with a policy not to add any motor vehicle capacity but to move more people at the same time. Tempe uses bike lanes combined with transit, does promotional campaigns, uses commuter alternative programs, and creative bike parking to meet this goal. Tempe recently built and instituted the Country Club Way Bicycle/Pedestrian Bridge, which crosses U.S. 60 and is accessible to people with wheelchairs, bicycles and strollers. Tempe’s ongoing efforts to promote bicycling includes lowering the speeds on most arterial streets and plans to build two freeway crossings for bicycles in the next five years. Tempe also recently completed construction of the Crosscut Canal Multi-Use Path, providing new opportunities for bicyclists, joggers and pedestrians to enjoy Papago Park and the Papago Salado area. The 1.25-mile path, which is accessible to people in wheelchairs, runs along the west bank of the Crosscut Canal in north Tempe between Canal Park (at Marigold Lane and College Avenue) and McDowell Road.

Evaluation: Tempe has an historical 40-year commitment to improving bicycling facilities. In 1971, Tempe was the first city in Arizona to build a bike lane. In 1974, Tempe adopted its first bicycle plan. Tempe has the highest population density and the highest percentage of bicycle riders in the state of Arizona. Tempe is committed to providing a complete, seamless bikeway system that integrates with the bus system and making traveling by bicycle convenient and safe. The Tempe Bicycle Plan addresses bicycle facility needs and goals. Education: Tempe educates motorists to share the road with cyclists via the local Tempe cable station (running an educational video), the city-wide water bill newsletter, regional transportation committees and “Share the Road” signage. Tempe reaches some motorists with these efforts. (Motorists must be homeowners to receive a water bill and have cable TV to see the educational video.) Other bicycle educational opportunities for adults include the annual Tour de Tempe bike ride and Tempe Bike to Work and School Day. Tour de Tempe is an original, leisurely bike ride that features Tempe’s finest bikeways. The event educates citizens on the many bikeways available for recreation and transportation. Tempe Bike to Work and School Day encourages Tempe residents to travel via bicycle to work and school. The city provides free breakfast to participants and educates citizens on the many bikeways available for commuting to work or school.