Here's Sioux Falls' plan to be more walkable and bikeable

Megan Raposa -

Simplified: The city's latest draft of the bicycle plan calls for a complete bicycle network in Sioux Falls and an expanded bicycle trail so any place in the city is no more than one mile from accessing it.

Why it matters

  • The city's current bicycle plan was approved in 2015. Since then, the city has also began promoting what's called "Complete Streets" – essentially the idea that the city should have an transportation network that's safe and convenient for all users (including pedestrians, cyclists, public transit riders and motorists).
  • The latest draft of the plan looks to build on the progress of complete streets with an overarching goal to get 1% of Sioux Fallsians choosing bicycling as their main mode of transportation. The goal is also to increase ridership on the bike trails by 50%.
  • The city's pedestrian plan in 2021 got an update for the first time since 2006, but like the bicycle plan, it's been sitting in draft waiting for approval as the city built the new Active Transportation Board. Now, things are ready to move forward.
"A lot of things have changed over time, and we’re bringing up-to-date what our priorities should be," Urban Planner Fletcher Lacock said.

Tell me more about the bicycle and pedestrian plans

You can see the full bicycle plan here, and the pedestrian plan here.

Active Transportation Board member and Spoke n' Sport owner Chad Pickard said these plans are important because as it stands right now, cyclists don't always feel safe in town – especially on roads with lots of cars and high speeds.

"People are choosing different modes of transportation, and we need to create a successful plan for them in the same way that we do for the cars," he said.

How can I give feedback?

The city is hosting an open house from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 18 at the downtown library.

Can't make that event? You can also submit feedback online.  

What happens next?

The plan will go in front of the new Active Transportation Board next week. If approved, it'll move on to the City Council for full approval.