Bikeways
As part of the City of Springfield's plan to create a bike and pedestrian-friendly community, specific streets and routes are designated as part of an on-street bicycle route network being developed by Springfield Public Works' Traffic Division. This network includes a variety of facility types with different signage, striping and separated bike lanes. Click to learn more about Bike Facility Types.
Streets that the City Traffic Engineer has deemed suitable and that provide access to major destinations and continuity to travel across several neighborhoods have been designated as bike routes. Approximately 83 miles of streets are designated bike routes. Click to view the bike route map (PDF) and the bike rack location map (PDF).
The LINK
(Planning & Development> Major Programs & Projects> The LINK)
The LINK is a designated route along streets with low traffic volume and slow speed through Springfield’s core that includes an accessible walking path and a low-stress route for people to bicycle linking existing and planned greenway trails and activity centers. Walking and biking along The LINK is considered much less stressful than on most through streets. Since the streets have low traffic volumes and slow speeds, people on bicycles can ride in the street or on the continuous accessible sidewalk that is on at least one side of each street along The LINK route. The ultimate goal is to create a network of routes for people that walk, bicycle and drive that creates an experience of comfort and safety, similar to that of walking or riding on a Greenway Trail.
Map signs are located approximately at one-half mile intervals along The LINK. These signs provide directional information for attractions along The LINK and in the neighborhoods within one-half mile of each sign. Four cycle aid stations that include a bike stand, tools, and an air pump are located along The LINK. Green storm water projects that reduce localized drainage issues and improve the environment are integrated with construction of The LINK.
LINK Connections
The LINK connects more than just greenway trails .The route through the core of Springfield connects neighborhoods, multiple modes of travel, and business activity centers. The activity centers include:
- Commercial Street
- Drury University
- Government Plaza
- Ozark Technical Community College
- The IDEA Commons
- Downtown
- Jordan Valley
- Hammons Field
- University Plaza Convention District
- Missouri State University
- Mercy Health Campus
- Battlefield Mall
- CoxHealth South Campus
The route has direct connections to North Jordan Creek Trail, Jordan Valley Trail, and South Creek Trail and an indirect connection to Fassnight Creek Trail. The route passes through or adjacent to five parks and four elementary schools. The route passes through or adjacent to four college and university campuses and through the neighborhoods in which many of their faculty, staff, and students live.
The LINK crosses bus routes at several locations. All City Utilities buses have bicycle racks. The bus stops will be upgraded over time to include shelters and could include additional features to improve security and comfort for people using The LINK. These connections make it easier for people to use the bus for part of their trip and use The LINK for another part of their trip.
The LINK intersects many bike routes. While bike routes may be on streets with higher traffic volumes than The LINK streets, these routes can be used between The LINK and neighborhoods or attractions that are some distance from The LINK.
A printable map that shows the route of the LINK along with Springfield trails and bikeways is available. An interactive map that shows the LINK along with trails, and bikeways and bus stops in the Springfield vicinity.
Greenway Trails
Greenway trails are being developed by Ozark Greenways, Incorporated and the Springfield / Greene County Parks Department for joint use of such non-motorized travel modes as bicycling, roller blading, running, and walking. More than 68 miles of greenway trails for walking and bicycling are available in our community including 21 miles in Springfield, 31 miles in Greene County outside Springfield, and 16 miles in Polk County.
Explore our trail network at Ozark Greenways Explore.
Rules of the Greenway Trails
- Greenway trails are open from sunrise to sunset.
- Springfield-Greene County Park Board ordinances apply to the greenways.
- The trails are for non-motorized use only, including bicycling, walking, running, skating.
- Travel on the right-hand side of the trail.
- Pass on the left and announce your presence before you pass.
- Cyclists - keep speed to 10MPH or less.
- Proceed in single file when approaching others, around curves and under bridges.
- Use caution at road crossings.
- Keep dogs on leashes and under control.
- Clean up after your dog - scoop the poop.
- Wear a helmet when biking - especially children.
- Avoid using trails during unfavorable conditions.
- Respect private property - stay on the trail.
- Report unsafe trail conditions in Greene County to the Park Board (417) 864-1051.
- Report illegal activity by calling 911.
Separated Bike Lanes (Cycle Tracks)
A separated bike lane, also known as cycle track, is a paved area within street right-of-way physically separated from motor traffic and pedestrians for use exclusively by bicyclists. Separated bike lanes may be paved paths for bicycles between the curb and the sidewalk or a portion of the street surface separated from the motor traffic lanes by any combination of delineators, striped buffer zone, and parked cars. Separated bike lanes may be one-way or two-way paths.
Side Paths
A side path is a paved surface within the street right-of-way designated for use by pedestrians and bicyclists. A side path operates similar to an off-street path such as a greenway trail. Bicyclists travel speed is slower because bicyclists must share the path with and yield to pedestrians and other users.
Bike Lanes
A bike lane is that portion of the street set aside by signs and pavement for use by bicyclists. A bike lane is designated by a solid white strip between it and the adjacent motor vehicle lanes and by a bicycle symbol marked periodically in the lane. Bike lanes may be provided on any street, and are typically provided on streets designated as bikes routes with moderate to high traffic volumes and on streets with speed limits greater than 30 mph.
Shoulders
Bicycle travel can be accommodated on shoulders of major streets and highways greater than six feet in width with an acceptable roadway surface. The shoulder surface should be kept in good repair, debris swept from the shoulder and rumble strips, when used, placed to accommodate bicycle travel.
Bike Routes with Shared Lanes
Bike routes are streets that are signed and often marked designating the street as a preferred street for use by bicyclists. Streets with low to moderate traffic volume and speed 30 mph or less are appropriate for shared use by motorists ad bicyclists and may be marked with signs and markings. Streets that have adequate width for all priority uses are marked with bike lanes. Bicyclists should generally ride three to four feet from the edge of the street and expect motorists to pass by moving into the opposing lane.
Shared Roadways and Highways
The roadway engineer may acknowledge bicycle use on a street or roadway not designated as a bike route that is frequently used by bicyclists or necessary for continuity of the bike route system by installing "BICYCLE SHARE THE ROAD" warning signs to indicated the probable presence of bicyclists. These streets are often the best streets to use for a complete bicycle network, but have insufficient room for a separate bike lane and more traffic volume or higher speed than the established criteria for designation of a bike route. These signs are used on high speed rural roads and highways.