On Monday night May 10 the Economic Development Committee will be discussing making Middletown a more bike friendly town. I've gotten a mixed message, and I'm not certain if the EDC is only addressing bikes, or if they are talking about both bikes and pedestrians. Personally I don't' think it makes any sense to consider bikes and pedestrians independent of each other, and in the end would only cost the taxpayers more money. I will be at the meeting tomorrow night promoting a more active transpiration: bike, walking, and public transit friendly Middletown. I will advocate for the appointment of a committee with a broad make-up of citizens who have been actively partaking in and advocating for a biking, walking and public transit options in town.
A large turnout for this meeting, will send an important message to the EDC and Comon Council, that this is an important topic of concern to the citizens of town. My take is, that without the voices of the community expressing to the EDC the broad picture of bikes, walking and public transportation issues in town, that bikes may be the only topic on the table and remain so. The meeting starts at 6:00 Room 208, town hall. I hope you can make it. If not a quick email to the members of the EDC can make a big difference. It you would be interested in being on the Middletown Bike PED advisory committee (or whatever title it might end up being given include that in your email as well.
3 comments:
Unfortunately I won't be able to make the meeting tonight, but I truly believe that Middletown is a perfect Connecticut town for a strong bike community. I think of Northampton MA where the bike paths come alive, and draw so many people out of their homes on nice days, as well as provide an infrastructure for pleasure trips into town, relieving the nagging problems of traffic and parking.
If bike racks are being considered, this is an excellent opportunity to bring public art into the mainstream of Middletown. It would serve Middletown well to have an arts representative on the committee.
"Personally I don't' think it makes any sense to consider bikes and pedestrians independent of each other,...
You don't? Do you know how many times I've nearly been run down by a bike zooming down a sidewalk? Do you know how many times I've seen a cyclist press the button for a Walk light and then ride across the intersection? That's for pedestrians.
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