Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – July 4, 2024 – A ten-foot-wide multi-use shared trail is coming to life all over Jonesboro, and many residents are seemingly frustrated or confused regarding its need and use.
When asked why Jonesboro needs this new multi-use path, Andy Shatley, Chairman of the Connectivity Advisory Committee, told JRN, “Building out pedestrian infrastructure throughout Jonesboro is vital for all types of mobility and active transportation options.”
“The shared-use path is an excellent option that provides a wider passage to accommodate two-way movement and allows pedestrians, bicyclists, and rollers to interact safely on one trail.”
The trail is marked by a stark yellow line, separating the “comers” and the “goers,” and crosswalks are marked with bright green paint, signaling the continuance of the shared-use trail. These markings differentiate the trail from regular sidewalks in town, so motorists are aware to be aware of the higher frequency of pedestrians, cyclists, and rollers using the path.
The shared-use trail that is being constructed is part of a much larger system all across Jonesboro that’s been in the works since 2018.
During a May 2024 Council Meeting presentation on the recently adopted Master Parks Plan, Christian Lentz with Halff & Associates, said, “Right now, you have just under 15 miles of multi-use trail in your city. About 26% of your residential areas are within a half-mile radius or a convenient bike shed of those trails.”
The current multi-use path construction continues to implement the Quality of Life and Connectivity Master Plan that was adopted in 2018 that established the city-wide trails network of 79 total miles (pictured above).
Lentz also said, “The recommended trail network that is in that original plan [Quality of Life and Connectivity Master Plan 2018] is also being promoted in your Parks and Recreation Master Plan as your trailway goal in the City of Jonesboro.” (pictured below)
During a June 2024 Finance Committee meeting discussing the Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant, Councilman David McClain asked, “When we talk about pedestrian improvements, what type of improvements are we talking about?
Grants Director Jeremy Biggs answered, “The pedestrian infrastructure included in this grant project includes up 141 just past Parker Park; and that is going to be a ten-foot multi-use side path, which will be on the east side of 141. There will be two new HAWK signals implemented on that stretch of road as well.”
When asked about the location of one section of the ten-foot multi-use side path, Biggs said, “It starts at Johnson. It will start at the intersection and go north. There will be some minor sidewalk repairs along Johnson where they are needed, but no main multi-use path will be on Johnson. Just 141.”