Most areas of urbanized Kenton County are served by sidewalks on one or both sides of the street. While this is due largely to local requirements for construction of sidewalks on both sides of the street, no data are available currently on where sidewalks exist.
That’s about to change.
A comprehensive inventory of sidewalks in Kenton County is being pursued currently by NKAPC staff to create documentation which can assist legislative bodies with future planning efforts.
The project involves a desktop assessment using 2012 aerial imagery. This review determines the location of sidewalks, pathways, trails, and crosswalks. It also documents materials used such as concrete, pavers, and asphalt to the extent that it can be determined from the aerial imagery.
Minimal field checks will also be pursued as part of this initial effort but will not include information on the condition of sidewalks, ownership status, ADA compliance, and presence of pedestrian signals. This information will enable legislative bodies to assess their sidewalk system, identify key missing links, and pursue efforts to improve the system.
It will also make it easier for developers to gauge the availability of sidewalks in an area and to facilitate improved connectivity. The inventory will also assist in looking at the County comprehensively and assessing the impact of sidewalks or lack thereof on the community.
“One of the main capabilities of our GIS system is the ability to analyze and provide visual reports on physical elements of our built landscape. The analysis makes it easier for communities to make informed decisions about their futures,” stated Trisha Brush, GISP, NKAPC’s director of GIS administration.
Sidewalks provide opportunities for residents to walk to places such as bus stops, to travel to their places of employment, to visit friends and neighbors in adjacent developments, to access nearby shopping centers or parks, and to provide recreation that leads to a healthier lifestyle.
Additional uses for these data could include assessments of walkability, prioritization and allocation of funding for sidewalks based on needs, and assessment of sidewalk systems around schools and populated destinations.
The project is anticipated to be completed by sometime this summer.