The Novi Active Mobility Plan was officially adopted by the Novi City Council on March 18, 2024.
The Novi Active Mobility Plan is an inclusive and comprehensive initiative aimed at improving active transportation options within our community. The draft plan focuses on enhancing the safety, accessibility, and connectivity for people who walk, bike and roll. By prioritizing alternative transportation, the plan aims to promote a more sustainable, healthy and vibrant community. Here are a few highlights of the plan, with links below to the document, executive summary, and map:
The Active Mobility Plan (AMP) is a comprehensive update to the 2011 Non-Motorized Plan, created to help guide the City in making decisions on investments in non-motorized infrastructure such as sidewalks, off-road trails, on-road bicycle lanes, and crosswalks.
- The Active Mobility Plan seeks to build off the successes of the previous plan in filling in gaps in Novi’s sidewalk and pathway system, providing new bike paths and connections to regional trails, and identifying safer and more direct ways for pedestrians and bicyclists to get around the community.
- The update incorporates new standards and best practices to improve safety and accessibility for those who walk, bike, or use other mobility-assisting devices.
- The process included a review of the existing non-motorized network and conditions in Novi. The team also gathered community input throughout 2023 by hosting an online survey, posting yard signs, attending City-sponsored events, holding an open house at the Civic Center, and staging pop-up tables along the ITC trail. Regular updates were provided to the Walkable Novi Committee for review and comment as the draft plan progressed.
- Important priorities of the Active Mobility Plan include implementing components of the neighborhood greenway network, preparing for transit, and improving access to shopping and dining destinations.
- Infrastructure projects such as mid-block crosswalks, sidewalk gaps, and connections to regional trails are depicted in maps and graphics throughout the plan. Similar to the 2011 plan, it is expected that implementation of planned recommendations will be reviewed biannually by the Walkable Novi Committee, and by city staff during the preparation of the annual budget and 6-year CIP plan, in order to identify projects that can be completed in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
- The plan can be accessed for viewing at WalkBike.Info/Novi, or by using the links below.
The City of Novi has had a long-standing interest in providing an interconnected and comprehensive system of pathways, sidewalks and trails to connect neighborhoods with destinations throughout the City and region. The City has a process for identifying and completing missing sidewalk and pathway segments. The planning and prioritization of sidewalk construction starts with City Staff for review and compilation of a number of details, which is presented biannually as a comprehensive report to the Walkable Novi Committee.
Is there an area you would like to see a public sidewalk or pathway connection be made? If you would like to provide input please email Barbara McBeth in the Community Development Department to let your comments be heard!
Walkable Novi Committee
Biannual Non-Motorized Prioritization
City Resources
SEMCOG and Other Resources
2011 Non-Motorized Master Plan
Walkable Novi Committee (WNC)
The Committee includes members of the City Council, Planning Commission, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Commission and Novi Parks Foundation. This Committee works with various City Departments to revise and make recommendations on non-motorized transportation and recreation plans and projects throughout the community. The Committee meets bi-monthly and the public is welcome to attend their meetings. Check out the Walkable Novi Committee page for more information.
Biannual Non-Motorized Prioritization
The City of Novi has a procedure for identifying and completing missing sidewalk and pathway segments. The planning and prioritization of sidewalk construction starts with City Staff, who compile data, perform analysis, and tally rankings, which is presented annually as a comprehensive report to the Walkable Novi Committee. The prioritization is an important tool to help determine how the limited funds budgeted for pathway construction will be best utilized. The Committee produces a list of the Top 20 segments that are recommended to be used to develop the 6-year Capital Improvement Program, which lists the future sidewalk and pathway projects for the City to construct. As segments are constructed, either as public projects or by private developers, they are removed from the list. Starting in 2020, the prioritization process will take place on a biannual basis. This decision was made because the Committee has found the rankings do not change significantly from year to year, and the time and resources devoted to developing the report could be allocated to other projects.
The Walkable Novi Committee reviewed and approved the draft 2022-2024 Non-Motorized Prioritization Update on August 18, 2022 and recommended forwarding it to the City’s Capital Improvement Committee. The committee will use this document to help identify future segments and non-motorized improvements to be constructed as additional funding becomes available. The final report can be found here:
| File Name | Details |
|---|---|
| 2022-2024 Non-Motorized Prioritization Update | Download |
| File Name | Details |
|---|---|
| 2020-22 Prioritization Update Report (Part 1) | Download |
| 2019-20_Prioritization Update Report Part 1 | Download |
| Report Attachments Part 2 | Download |
| Annual Non-Motorized Prioritization Update: 2018-2019 | Download |
| Annual Non-Motorized Prioritization Update: 2017-2018 | Download |
City of Novi Non-Motorized Plan 2011
In 2011, the City Council contracted with the Greenway Collaborative to produce a comprehensive Non-Motorized Master Plan (see below). On February 28, 2011, the Novi City Council adopted the Non-Motorized Master Plan. The Non-Motorized Master Plan provides recommendations for in-road facilities, sidewalks, trails, road crossings, design standards, priority considerations, funding, and non-motorized routes. This Plan, financed with Federal Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant funds, includes an expanded implementation strategy to help the City continue its efforts to provide a safe, convenient and enjoyable environment for bicyclists, pedestrians and other non-motorized users while demonstrating the potential energy savings new facilities could provide.
| File Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Executive Summary (5.7 MB) 2/28/11 | Download |
| Overview Map (4.8 MB) 2/28/11 | Download |
| Non-Motorized Master Plan - Part 1 of 4 ( 8.4 MB) 2/28/11 - Contents, Executive Summary, 1-Introduction, 2-Inventory Analysis | Download |
| Non-Motorized Master Plan - Part 2 of 4 ( 9.0 MB) 2/28/11 - 3-Proposed Facilities | Download |
| Non-Motorized Master Plan - Part 3 of 4 (13.9 MB) 2/28/11 - 4-Proposed Policies, 5-Design Guidelines | Download |
| Non-Motorized Master Plan - Part 4 of 4 ( 6.4 MB) 2/28/11 - 6-Outreach & Education, 7-Appendix | Download |
2018-19: Eight Year Implementation Status
The City of Novi Non-Motorized Master Plan presented a set of goals and implementation strategies that when substantially implemented will result in a physical and cultural environment that will support and encourage safe, convenient and comfortable ways to walk and bicycle throughout the community. Since the Plan was adopted in 2011, the City has implemented a substantial portion of the infrastructure, policy, public outreach and education goals and implementation strategies. The implementation of the strategies has been the result of many efforts throughout the City’s organization.
| File Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Eight year implementation status | Download |
City Resources
Ride and Walk Opportunities in Novi
City of Novi Engineering: Construction Updates
City of Novi Parks and Recreation Services: Park Facilities
City of Novi Police Department: Bike Safety Tips and Video
Sidewalk and Pathway Responsibilities
Ride and Walk Opportunities in Novi
Encouraging healthy, active, active lifestyles through pathway and sidewalk connectivity has been a focus for the City of Novi. The City is a four-time Promoting Active Communities Gold Award winner from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness due to the existing and planned public pedestrian and bicycle facilities. Currently the City has over 200 miles of pathways and sidewalks. The location of the City’s existing pathways and sidewalks can be viewed in the Sidewalk Inventory Map.
ITC Corridor Trail Route
City of Novi Engineering: Construction Updates
“In August 2012, Novi citizens overwhelmingly passed a road millage allowing for more than $5 million to be used in annual road and pathway investments. Funds will be used to maintain and improve neighborhood (subdivision/ side streets) and major municipal roadways (mile roads, Beck Road, etc.), and to make sidewalk and pathway connections.” Check out the latest Construction Updates.
City of Novi Parks and Recreation Services: Park Facilities
“The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department (PRCS) manages over 1,000 acres of parkland and includes Lakeshore Park, ITC Community Sports Park, Ella Mae Power Park, Rotary Park, Wildlife Woods Park, Brookfarm Park, Village Wood Lake Park, Fuerst Park, and Landings Park.” Check out the Park facilities in Novi.
City of Novi Police Department: Safety Tips
The Novi Police Department wants you to have fun riding your bike and be safe too. The safety of bicycle riders is a responsibility shared by both motorists and cyclists. Bicyclists are not out of place on the roadway – they are part of the traffic. Every bicycle rider has the same rights and responsibilities as a motor vehicle driver. All persons who use public roads must understand state traffic laws and use caution and common sense. Bicyclists' and motorists' actions are more predictable and safer when everyone follows traffic laws.
NHTSA Bicycle Safety
City of Novi Bike Safety Video
Sidewalk and Pathway Responsibilities
Ever wonder whose responsibility it is to maintain the sidewalks and pathways in Novi? The City of Novi’s Code of Ordinances requires that property owners maintain sidewalks and pathways that abut their property so that they are safe for use by all types of non-motorized users. Check out the Sidewalk and Pathway Responsibilities page for more information.
SEMCOG and Other Resources
SEMCOG/MAC survey results: More education needed to increase walking, biking, driving safety
New brochure from SEMCOG emphasizes safety tips
American Automobile Association (AAA): Bike Safety Videos
The League of American Bicyclists: The National Bike Challenge
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA)
Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA)
SEMCOG/MAC survey results: More education needed to increase walking, biking, driving safety
Southeast Michigan residents who took a recent online survey sponsored by SEMCOG and its partner organization, the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) have provided their perceptions regarding pedestrian and bicycle safety. The three primary causes of traffic crashes involving people walking and biking in Southeast Michigan are distracted drivers, walkers, or bikers (85%); inadequate walking or biking infrastructure (61%); and disregarding the rules of the road (60%). Read more
New brochure from SEMCOG emphasizes safety tips
To increase education and awareness, SEMCOG and local governments are engaging in safety education efforts throughout Southeast Michigan. These efforts include a new brochure emphasizing important safety tips for walking, biking, and driving, as well as explanations of relevant state laws, infrastructure, and signage.’
Find out more information on safety education to walk, bike and drive safe.
American Automobile Association (AAA): Bike Safety Videos
Bicyclists are involved in less than 1% of all traffic crashes. Proportionally, however, they represent a greater number of fatalities than any other group of roadway users. This is why it is especially important for drivers to always pass bicyclists at a safe distance and yield to them before making turns. AAA is hosting a video series that include bike safety PSA, tips and advice. Check out the AAA Bike Safety videos.
The League of American Bicyclists: The National Bike Challenge
“The National Bike Challenge is a nationwide event uniting thousands of current bicyclists — and encouraging countless new riders. In its simplest form it is a logging center for users to record miles ridden and be part of the national community of bicyclists.” Visit the League of American Bicyclists website.
Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (MTGA)
“MTGA is the statewide voice for non-motorized trail users, helping people build, connect and promote trails for a healthier and more prosperous Michigan.” Visit the MTGA website.
Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA)
“The mission of the MMBA is to promote responsible mountain biking and to work toward the goals of common land access and natural resource protection through interaction with policy makers, the cycling industry, race promoters, mountain bikers and other trail users.” Visit the MMBA website.
Contact Alan Hall if you have additional ride and walk resources that you would like to share.
