Neighborways

What is a Neighborway?

Neighborways are low-volume streets that have been optimized for bicycle travel through pavement markings, signage, traffic calming, and intersection crossing treatments. Neighborways, also called bicycle boulevards, are shared roadway facilities that will be comfortable and attractive to cyclists with a wide range of abilities and ages but are inconvenient as through routes for automobiles. This type of bicycle facility will be an essential component of Louisville’s overall bicycle network, including integrating with bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, and the Louisville Loop. Implementation of a neighborway system will assist in Louisville’s goals to increase ridership, reduce crashes, and offer a low-stress facility for Louisvillians. 

Neighborways will be located on routes that serve major origins, destinations, and travel corridors (often paralleling an arterial), and will be as direct and intuitive as possible. On many streets, they will replace the current signed bike routes. Residential streets with already low vehicle volumes will become the most likely candidates for neighborways.

In addition, Louisville’s neighborways will be optimized with streetscape design features, such as street trees, green infrastructure, and other forms of design to reinforce slower speeds and a positive rider experience.

What will a Neighborway look like in my neighborhood?

As of 2021, Louisville has implemented 58 miles of neighborways on local streets. The initial phases of implementation will include low-cost, high visibility pavement markings. As funds become available, routes show increased use, and local neighborhood support builds, the neighborways could evolve to incorporate higher design details, such as signage, traffic calming, and traffic reduction. The list below outlines the potential levels of design. Each of these levels will require direct public input from residents. 
 

Phase I Design 
Pavement Markings

Phase II Design
Wayfinding Signs

Phase III Design
Intersection improvements (medians, neighborhood traffic circles, etc.)
Traffic calming (speed humps, curb extensions, painted and patterned surfaces, etc.)
Green infrastructure

Phase IV Design
Traffic reduction (diverters to reduce traffic volume to cars but encourage bicycle and pedestrian passage)