When the Village of Cadiz set out to improve safety, accessibility and connectivity for people walking and biking, B&N was engaged to develop a clear, actionable roadmap for active transportation improvements across the community.
Like many small communities, Cadiz faces the challenge of balancing limited infrastructure with the need to support safe, multimodal travel for residents of all ages and abilities. The Cadiz Active Transportation Plan was developed to help the village better understand existing conditions, identify gaps and prioritize practical solutions that support everyday mobility.
A Comprehensive, Data-Informed Planning Approach
B&N led the planning effort using a combination of technical analysis and community input. The project began with a detailed assessment of existing pedestrian infrastructure, supported by GIS-based inventory of active transportation facilities coupled with a walk-audit with stakeholders to identify areas of concern or opportunity. This analysis helped establish a clear picture of where conditions support safe travel and where improvements are most needed.
Key elements of the planning process included:
- Inventory and evaluation of pedestrian and active transportation infrastructure
- Assessment of safety, accessibility and connectivity needs
- Identification of opportunities to improve multimodal travel
Engagement That Informed Practical Solutions
Stakeholder engagement and public outreach were central to the plan’s development. Input from local stakeholders and community members helped ground technical findings in real-world experience and ensured attention to everyday travel needs. B&N facilitated two pop-up engagement events at the back-to-school festival and a street festival. Meeting community members where they were was essential to gaining insights into active transportation priorities from a wide range of participants. This collaborative process ensured the recommendations reflected local priorities and built shared understanding around next steps.
Actionable Recommendations for Implementation
The final plan presents a prioritized set of recommendations that balance near-term improvements with long-term system transformation. Infrastructure strategies were developed with a systemwide perspective, focusing on high-impact investments that enhance safety for people walking and biking while also delivering broader community benefits. These include new trail connections linking schools and parks, as well as targeted traffic calming measures to create a more welcoming transition into downtown.
Recommendations are tailored to reflect varying roadway contexts, user needs, and funding realities. Higher-speed corridors with significant truck traffic emphasize separated facilities to improve safety and comfort, while lower-speed, low-volume streets incorporate shared roadway treatments that can be implemented quickly without substantial capital investment or reliance on external funding.
In addition, the plan outlined non-infrastructure strategies that support lasting success, including:
- Education and awareness initiatives
- Improved data collection to track conditions and needs
- Stronger coordination and collaboration among local stakeholders
Together, these recommendations provide Cadiz with a practical framework to improve multimodal transportation options and pursue funding opportunities, helping the village move from planning to implementation.