A goal of regional bicycle system planning is to improve the east-west connectivity with a bicycle crossing of I-25 in the vicinity of Paseo del Norte.   The MRCOG Long Range Bikeway System Map proposes an east-west bike/pedestrian connection across I-25 in the vicinity of Paseo del Norte and the South Domingo Baca Arroyo.  This would allow a continuation of the existing trail along Paseo del Norte west of the North Diversion Channel to the existing trail along the Domingo Baca Arroyo at San Pedro Drive.  It would also link to the existing trail along the North Diversion Channel.  Bike lanes are proposed on Jefferson Street north of Paseo del Norte and Jefferson is designated as a Bikeway Corridor from Masthead to El Pueblo.

The long-range bikeway system plans are accommodated in each of the proposed build alternatives.  The following describes how each of the alternatives provides for improved east-west bicycle and pedestrian connectivity through the study area.  Click on this link for an illustration of the bikeways plan for the build alternatives.

Alternative 7
As part of the multimodal element of Alternative 7, a comprehensive system of bicycle and pedestrian facilities would be implemented.  The bicycle and pedestrian facilities included with this alternative would facilitate north-south travel within the employment district west of I-25 and would provide safe east-west access across I-25.  The principal bicycle and pedestrian elements included in Alternative 7 are:

• A grade-separated bridge across I-25 along the south side of Paseo del Norte.  This facility would connect to the South Domingo Baca Arroyo Trail east of I-25.  On the west side of I-25, this trail would connect to a new trail parallel to the Domingo Baca Arterial and to an on-street bicycle route and sidewalks along Headline Boulevard south of Paseo del Norte.
• A bicycle trail parallel to Domingo Baca Arterial from I-25 west to Channel Road.  This trail would follow Channel Road south to connect with El Pueblo Road.
• On-street bicycle lanes and sidewalks would be constructed on the Domingo Baca Arterial, Jefferson Street (from El Pueblo Road to the Domingo Baca Arterial), Channel Road, and El Pueblo Road. 

Alternative 16
With the exception of the crossing over I-25, the bicycle and pedestrian facilities proposed with Alternative 16 are the same as described for Alternative 7.  With Alternative 16, the grade-separated structure over I-25 would be located north of the I-25/Paseo del Norte interchange.  This structure would connect the existing trail along the South Domingo Baca Arroyo with new facilities west of I-25.  South of Paseo del Norte, an extension to the west would be constructed to provide a direct connection to Headline Boulevard.

Additional Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Additional opportunities are provided in Alternatives 7 and 16 along the Domingo Baca Arroyo arterial.  Approximately 170 feet of right-of-way exists in the Domingo Baca Arroyo corridor which provides sufficient width for the roadway requirements along with pedestrian and bicycle facilities.