A significant discussion at the recent Sedona City Council meeting centered on the city's plans for improving bike and pedestrian safety along Shelby Drive. Council members expressed a strong desire to keep cyclists off the streets and onto shared-use paths (SUPs), highlighting concerns about the current design's sharp curbs that deter this transition.

The council is moving forward with a $500,000 grant from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to fund these improvements. However, there are concerns about the administrative burden associated with ADOT's management process. City officials are hopeful that the costs will remain below the grant amount, allowing for effective project execution without exceeding budget constraints.

The project scored impressively high on the city’s evaluation matrix, receiving a score of 149 out of a possible 160. Factors contributing to this score include significant traffic volume and the need for better connectivity to local parks and points of interest. Council members emphasized the importance of addressing the conflict between multimodal traffic and vehicles, particularly given the high activity levels on Shelby Drive.

In addition to the main project, discussions included plans for benches and shade structures at park entrances, which will be funded by city resources rather than the ADOT grant. The council is also actively seeking additional grant opportunities for future projects, ensuring that safety and accessibility remain top priorities for Sedona's infrastructure development.

As the project progresses, city officials will continue to evaluate its impact and explore further enhancements to support the community's growing need for safe and accessible transportation options.