Timeline

Summer 2022: Project kickoff

Fall 2022 to Spring 2023: Gather initial pre-design feedback and study the byway

Winter to Spring 2025: Public input on draft design

This project is only funded through the design phase.

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

Why wasn’t 1500 East chosen as the Neighborhood Byway route?

1500 East is an important route for people walking and biking, offering a direct connection to Sugar House Park, multiple schools, and 15th & 15th businesses. However, it is not the best candidate for a Neighborhood Byway due to its higher traffic volumes and 25 mph speed limit (compared to 20 mph on 1700 East). That said, improving 1700 East as a Neighborhood Byway does not mean 1500 East cannot also be improved. Our goal is to develop multiple comfortable routes in the neighborhood, each with unique characteristics, so people have more choices for how they get around.

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?

Yes! 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.

Will there be new bike lanes added?

No new striped bike lanes are planned. Instead, the byway will use traffic calming and wayfinding signage to create a shared, low-stress route for people riding bikes.

How will traffic calming be implemented along the byway?

We’re proposing a series of speed cushions, which are similar to speed bumps but with gaps to allow emergency vehicles to pass smoothly. They help reduce speeding while maintaining a comfortable experience for people biking.

The following Byway routes were identified in Salt Lake City’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan in 2015.

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.