Two important projects are underway along the border between the City of Phoenix and the Town of Paradise Valley. Phoenix is beginning work on a new parking lot and road design at the Echo Canyon Trailhead. At the same time, Paradise Valley is designing improvements to its one-mile segment of Stanford Drive. The final plan has not yet been released, but the upgraded street may include new bike lanes and improved sidewalks.

Instead of viewing these projects in isolation, the two municipalities should collaborate on a regional plan to enhance the safe passage of pedestrians and bicyclists through this important recreational area, known both for the hiking trails of Camelback Mountain and the multi-use Arizona Canal path. In fact, the best possible outcome would unify both hiking and bicycling by providing a bike route to the Echo Canyon trailhead.

Phoenix should consider the following changes in this neighborhood:

1) If Paradise Valley adds bikes lanes along its segment of Stanford Drive, pursue similar upgrades to the 1/2-mile Phoenix segment of Stanford Drive between 40th and 44th streets.
2) Place signs along 40th Street and McDonald Drive indicating those roads as a good bike route from either Stanford Drive or the Arizona Canal to Echo Canyon. Pursue bike lanes and other improvements along those roads as necessary.
3) On the busy portion of McDonald between 44th Street and Tatum, use either bike lanes or a two-way multi-use trail on either side of the street to create a safe bike route along the final half mile to the trailhead. Add a HAWK as needed to ensure safe passage across McDonald.

These upgrades would encourage more hikers to travel to Echo Canyon via bike. That's important because the new parking spaces being added are likely to induce more demand, creating a treadmill of constant crowding at the trailhead. Providing an appropriate bike-to-hike route would provide an alternative means of access and enhance the area's appeal. Map link below: