YOU CAN NOT SIMPLY COAST THROUGH LIFE. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ON A BIKE IN A HILLY CITY. The Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Commission invited public comments at its meeting on Oct. 1.
October 29, 2009 Issue
Bike to the Future
commission wants input on the city’s biking needs
words by Heidi Kraemer
photography by Andrea Paulseth
Imagine waking up Monday morning, admiring your toned muscles in the mirror before breakfast, popping on a helmet, hopping on your bike, and zipping to work following clearly labeled signs and smooth trails right to your workplace – all the while enjoying cool, fresh air unpolluted by smog or honking horns. The City of Eau Claire is working to make this dream a reality.
On Oct. 1, questions flew, cameras flashed, and camcorders rolled as a crowd of curious and concerned citizens gathered at RCU for the Eau Claire Bicycle and Pedestrian Draft Plan meeting. Amidst the large, colorful maps displaying future bike/pedestrian path expansion plans, community members were able to learn about the draft plan as well as bring their own thoughts and concerns to the table.
Cities all over Wisconsin are realizing the energy efficiency, cost savings, health benefits, and environmental advantages of biking and walking for transportation. Eau Claire’s Comprehensive Plan in 2005 created the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, and helped develop of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Working to provide transportation alternative to motorized vehicles, the BPAC has completed their draft plan after two years of work and are now seeking public input.
The goal of the draft is to create an interconnected network of on- and off-road paths to form a transportation network throughout the city for all ages and skill levels, linking neighborhoods with major destination points. The commission is also putting a magnifying glass over the current pedestrian and bicycle environment to identify areas of concern, and to improve and promote walking and biking in Eau Claire. Looking to combine safety, convenience, enjoyment through expansion and education, the commission highlighted the development of mutual respect among motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians as a key component to success not just here in Eau Claire, but in surrounding cities as well.
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