Neighborhood Byways

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What is a Neighborhood Byway?

Neighborhood Byways create pleasant and convenient routes for people using active modes of transportation by encouraging safe travel speeds, discouraging cut-through vehicle traffic, providing safe crossings of busy streets, and connecting people to destinations.

Few changes are needed on the quiet streets themselves. The network is realized by providing safe, often signalized crossings at the major barrier streets, and reducing vehicle traffic volumes along the route to make walking safer and more enjoyable. “Neighborhood byways” is a term recognizing that these corridors create a network for both people walking and riding bicycles.

Ideal byway street characteristics:

Low vehicle traffic volumes

Low speeds – narrow streets and other characteristics that make driving fast feel uncomfortable

Direct connections between neighborhood destinations

Greening along the route – for example, street trees that provide shade

Improvements that make byways better for people walking and biking:

Safe crosswalks and signals at busy and high speed road crossings

Connectivity enhancements to existing routes for cyclists and pedestrians

Curb extensions and curb ramps for bicycles

Signage and paint markings

Traffic calming

Way-finding signage

Learn More

Neighborhood Byways FAQ

What is a Neighborhood Byway?

Neighborhood Byways create pleasant and convenient routes for walking, bicycling, rolling, and other active modes of transportation by encouraging safe travel speeds, discouraging cut-through vehicle traffic, providing safe crossings of busy streets, and connecting people to destinations.

How is a street chosen to be a Neighborhood Byway?

Neighborhood byways are identified in the Salt Lake City Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and are commonly located along streets with the following characteristics:

Narrow residential streets with low to modest vehicle traffic speeds and volumes

Direct connections between parks, schools, businesses, and other community destinations

Greening along the route such as shade trees

What changes are considered along these routes?

Infrastructure changes along these routes will be analyzed and vetted through a planning and public engagement process. Possible changes may include:

Curb extensions (also known as bulb-outs) at the corners of the intersections to shorten the distance when crossing the street and help calm vehicle traffic

Wayfinding signage and pavement markings to guide bicyclists along the byway

Opportunities for additional greening such as street trees or landscaped medians

Various traffic calming elements to slow vehicle speeds and discourage cut- through vehicle traffic, such as speed humps, traffic circles, and more

I live on a planned Neighborhood Byway. How will this affect getting to and from my home?

Neighborhood Byways create streets where residents can safely and comfortably bike, walk, and roll with children or pets. To create this safe and comfortable environment, some traffic calming improvements and minor street access modifications may be needed to manage vehicle speeds and prevent cut-through traffic. However, residents will still be able to easily access to their property.

How can I stay informed on the development of these Neighborhood Byways?

Join our Neighborhood Byways newsletter! You can also learn more by exploring the individual Neighborhood Byway pages on this website.

Can I drive my car on Neighborhood Byways?

While vehicles are not prohibited, Neighborhood Byways routes are improved for active modes of transportation such as walking and biking. The focus is on creating a network that enhances the experience for pedestrians and cyclists by ensuring safety and convenience.

How can I provide feedback or suggestions?

Your feedback is essential! We continually seek input to improve the Salt Lake City Neighborhood Byways for all users. Share your thoughts, suggestions, or experiences with the Salt Lake City Transportation Division via email at byways@slc.gov.

Byway Design Guide

The Salt Lake City Neighborhood Byways Design Guidelines provide a detailed framework for transforming local streets into safe and enjoyable routes for walking and biking. Emphasizing low-speed, low-traffic environments, the guidelines include strategies for route selection, intersection improvements, and traffic calming measures. The goal is to enhance connectivity, safety, and neighborhood livability, making active transportation more accessible and pleasant for all residents. Download the full guidelines to explore SLC’s vision for vibrant, connected communities.

Download the Neighborhood Byways Design Guide