Needles Active Transportation Plan

Organization: City of Needles, California

Funding Request: $300,000

Project Summary

The City of Needles features more than 48 miles of sidewalks and 43 miles of roads. However, many of the current sidewalks are in poor condition, lacking compliance with ADA standards, or simply missing altogether. Additionally, there is no established bike lane master plan in place. The proposed initiative aims to create an Active Transportation Plan that will pinpoint necessary sidewalk upgrades and establish bike paths throughout the city. This project is expected to greatly enhance connectivity and ensure greater safety for pedestrians in Needles.

Project Descriptions and Transportation Equity

The City is actively pursuing funding to fill sidewalk gaps, repair damaged walkways, upgrade curb ramps to meet ADA standards, designate bike lanes, and enhance visibility, accessibility, and transportation in an area that includes the school district, a senior center, a recreation center, a park, a medical facility, and other important destinations. This initiative will enable residents to safely reach essential locations that contribute to their quality of life, such as workplaces and the Needles Library. A recent resident survey indicated that the most frequented places are the High School, Middle School, Buy Rite Market, and the Park. Since the Needles Unified School District does not provide bus services for students from fourth grade through high school, ensuring safe non-motorized access to the Middle School and High School is a vital safety concern. Moreover, with no grocery store currently in Needles, the Buy Rite Market serves as a crucial destination. The proposed project aims to promote healthy lifestyles, enhance safety and quality of life, and lessen dependence on motorized transportation for the residents of Needles. It will benefit everyone, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. The City does not foresee any challenges, as the community has consistently expressed support for safe walking infrastructure and reliable transportation options.

Community Benefit

The City of Needles stands out as one of California’s most disadvantaged and remote rural communities. Situated along the Colorado River in San Bernardino County, it is home to the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and serves as a gateway to the Mojave National Preserve. San Bernardino County has a long history of high poverty rates, with Needles being one of the most impoverished cities in the state. With a population of fewer than 5,000 residents, Needles boasts a median household income of $48,061, significantly lower than the San Bernardino County average of $77,500 and California’s average of $84,097. About 55% of the population relies on welfare assistance, and only 11.3% hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher. The community has expressed a strong desire for completed sidewalks and safe biking options. Despite the absence of safe pathways, residents are compelled to walk along the streets. Children and wheelchair users often have to navigate roads with inadequate or non-existent sidewalks, posing severe safety risks. Many households lack the financial means to own or maintain a vehicle, and Needles is rated in the 2.8th percentile for automobile access according to the Healthy Places Index. The proposed project aims to identify safe bike paths for the residents.

Partnerships and Structure

The City of Needles has identified several community partners to provide valuable input for the Needles Active Transportation Plan. These partners include the Needles Unified School District, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Public Health, Tri-State Health (medical facility), Colorado River Medical Center (medical facility), St. Vincent De Paul (non-profit organization), Needles Housing Authority (local government), Needles Area Transit (local government), and Needles Senior Center (local government).

As the lead applicant, the City of Needles will facilitate stakeholder engagement through workshops to gather insights for the Active Transportation Plan. Each partner brings unique perspectives on the needs of residents to inform the plan. The Needles Unified School District and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department can provide insights into the transportation needs of children. Meanwhile, San Bernardino County Public Health, Tri-State Health, and Colorado River Medical Center can address the concerns of senior citizens and health-related impacts on the community. St. Vincent De Paul and Needles Housing Authority focus on the needs of low-income and displaced individuals. Additionally, Needles Area Transit and Needles Senior Center have expertise in transportation routes and high-traffic areas. Together, these partners will collaborate to ensure the success of the Active Transportation Plan.