District of Kent Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP)

Spring 2023 Update

We are now in Phase 3 of the Active Transportation Network Plan project. The first two phases involved engagement with stakeholders and community members as well as a review of existing conditions for walking, cycling, and rolling in Kent.

Snapshot of What We’ve Done to Date

• Understanding existing conditions
• Community survey – 240 responses (Nov 20 – Dec 16)
• Pop-up events to raise awareness – 80+ interactions (Dec 6 and Dec 10)
• Reports:
  • Existing Conditions Summary Report
  • Community Engagement Round #1 Summary Report

Existing Conditions

• Most people are driving as their usual mode of transportation
• Top reasons why people walk and bike
• Top barriers for walking and bicycling

Active Transportation Network Plan Themes

Using what we learned from phases 1 and 2, three plan themes have been identified. The themes will provide a framework for the final Plan with strategies and actions identified under each theme. The strategies and actions will guide improvements to active transportation in Kent over the next 20 years.

	Connected Community Focuses on providing safe and comfortable connections between destinations within the District and neighboring communities  Opportunities to improve integration of active transportation with transit, other modes, and District projects
	Enjoyable Experience Identifies ways to enhance the experience for people using active transportation in the District year-round
	Everyday Encouragement Focuses on making active transportation a part of the community’s everyday routine through wayfinding, education, awareness, and promotion

Network Planning

The final Active Transportation Network Plan will identify a long-term network for both on-street and off-street active transportation facilities. The long-term network will propose facilities that will provide connected, continuous, comfortable, and accessible opportunities for people walking and biking.

Project Overview

Active transportation plays an important role in enhancing community health, the environment, and economy, and ensures community members can safety move in and around Kent. The District of Kent is committed to providing facilities for people of all ages and abilities to safely walk, bike, and roll around our community.

The District of Kent has received funding in-part through the federal Active Transportation Fund to develop an Active Transportation Network Plan (ATNP). With input from the community, the ATNP will establish a collective vision for active transportation in Kent and identify priority projects and locations for active transportation infrastructure. 

What is Active Transportation?

Active transportation is any human-powered mode of transportation such as walking, cycling, skateboarding, or using a mobility aid, like a wheelchair. Other new and emerging transportation modes such as e-scooters and e-bikes can also fit in this category and may use the same trails and pathways.

What is an active transportation network plan?

An Active Transportation Network Plan is a strategic document that lays out the District’s vision and objectives for improving active transportation within Kent. The purpose of the ATNP is to identify gaps in the pedestrian and bicycle network, improve the experience for people walking, biking, and rolling, and provide a roadmap for priority improvements over the short-, medium-, and long-term. The final ATNP could include recommended improvements to the following:

• Infrastructure such as sidewalks, trails, bicycle lanes, and multi-use pathways
• Amenities such as signage, seating, bike parking, and lighting
• Education and programming such as trail and pathway etiquette, bike to work week, and safety

The project process will begin in the Fall of 2022 and will be completed at the end of 2023, with a range of engagement activities and opportunities to provide feedback.