"They've got to make it really clear how people who choose to be in an automobile come downtown and how they park," Gochnour said.

The plan would establish a parking management group, likely staffed through the city, that would make off-street parking more convenient. Ideas include signs with a standardized symbol — a large blue "P," for example — so motorists could easily find public parking. Parking-garage owners would be asked to clearly display their hourly rates so drivers would know whether they want to park there.

The plan, however, would push for more pedestrians and bicyclists. That would be encouraged through a network of walking routes, including ways to travel through blocks rather than around them. And the plan calls for adding bike lanes on downtown streets that are wide enough.

"Whether you drive or ride transit, part of your trip is walking," Harpst said.

Harpst said the city could add extensions to some sidewalks that would give bicyclists a place to ride that is not among the automobile traffic but doesn't get in the way of pedestrians.

The groups involved in the plan will gather public comment and refine the plan throughout February, with a final version making the rounds for approval in the spring from the City Council, the Planning Commission, Downtown Rising and others.

Once approved, the master plan would guide future decisions on a project-by-project basis and would lay out a time table for funding and other considerations.

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If you go . . .

The Downtown Transportation Master Plan will be presented today at an open house that includes a public comment period.

• When: Today, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Open-house format, with a presentation at 5 p.m.

• Where: City-County Building, 451 S. State, Third Floor

• Open to the public

• More information and public comment opportunities at www.slctrans.com

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E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com