Available funding and physical constraints limit the construction of separate bicycle facilities. For this reason, the maintenance and improvement of existing streets, roads and highways for bicycle travel must be seen as an important part of any program of bicycle facilities improvements. Many different categories of bicyclists contributed their input to the project. The diversity of input makes it clear the importance of accommodating the desires and requirements of the various categories of bicyclists. A flexible approach will go the farthest to achieve the goal of maintaining and improving a comprehensive network of routes which bicyclists will find attractive and convenient.
Community participation is essential.
This project concentrated on facilities. Nonetheless, numerous commenters from around the state emphasized that facilities represent only one facet of planning for bicycling. The most comprehensive and balanced plans for bicycle facilities and planning appear to result from cooperative efforts among concerned citizens, representatives of bicyclists' organizations and bikeway committees, police, city and town government officials, and RPAs. This approach to planning appears to bring forward a larger number and variety of suggestions and proposals, and to subject them to refinement and coordination. The community process typically involves town or city government officials, police, and interested citizens.