REDUCING TRAFFIC
NEARLY EVERYTHING YOU NEED WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE
With the influx of residents from the Camp Fire and the anticipated growth of Chico over the next decade, Valley’s Edge has taken careful thought to traffic mitigation and control for the areas within, and
immediately surrounding, the VE community.
The Valley’s Edge Master Circulation Plan will guide this endeavor by accommodating transit, bicycles,
pedestrians, and vehicles; providing opportunities to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions; and reinforcing the role of the street as a public space that unites the community. Above all, streets will be designed to minimize impacts on natural and landmark features, while maintaining the principles of a connected and open community.
TRAFFIC FLOW & SAFETY
In compliance with the Chico General Plan, the primary entry to Valley’s Edge is located along the Skyway, to be improved as a controlled intersection. Ultimately, the Skyway entry may be developed as a round-about. The secondary entry will be at the current easterly end of E. 20th Street. Bike and pedestrian pathways will connect to Valley’s Edge internal trail system, parks, the elementary school, and gathering places in the Village Core, as well as to the greater existing Chico bike trail network. Within the community, a variety of larger connector streets, smaller neighborhood streets, and bike lanes will ensure appropriate traffic flow, while roundabouts, curb extensions, speed feedback signs, and high visibility crosswalks will ensure safety for drivers, bikers, and pedestrians.
UNITING COMMUNITY & REDUCING POLLUTION AND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Valley’s Edge incorporates a hierarchy of connected roads, paths, and trails for vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian travel, as well as Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEVs). The NEV routes will allow residents, including those in the Senior community, to travel to and from the Village Core without having to use their car which also reduces the traffic impact on internal streets. To help minimize traffic and vehicle trips, a park and ride will be located within Valley’s Edge at the community park, acting as a hub for commuters and carpoolers. In future, Chico Unified School District (CUSD) may provide transportation to Valley’s Edge parks as part of an after-school program.
PRESERVING TREES
Roads and streets in Valley’s Edge will be intentionally designed and located to preserve the existing oak trees. Additionally, a street-tree program will be implemented to plant new native trees, resulting in a significantly greater tree canopy than currently exists in the area. The addition of new trees will help increase carbon sequestration, fight climate change, provide shade, and mark the seasons.