The Jonah Center for Earth and Art invites the public to a forum on Middletown’s efforts to develop a comprehensive and detailed plan to make our city safer and more conducive for walking and bicycling. The program will be held on Tuesday, February 28, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Room at First Church of Christ, Congregational, 190 Court Street, in Middletown.
The forum will begin with 3 short presentations. Kari Sullivan from the Connecticut Department of Education will describe programs like “Safe Routes to School” and how walking contributes to public health. Local cyclist and biking educator Beth Emery will explain how both cyclists and motorists can make our streets safer for all who use them. Middletown Engineer Tom Nigosanti will be available with maps and information regarding improvements such as sidewalks, off-street trails, and bike lanes.
The proposed $1 million multi-use trail connecting downtown Middletown, Wesleyan University, and the Wesleyan Hills neighborhood will also be described, but it is not the primary focus of this program. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to indicate their preferred routes for walking or cycling by using orange or green markers on a Middletown street map.
This event is free and pre-registration is not necessary. For more information, contact John Hall at 860-398-3771 or visit www.thejonahcenter.org and click on “send us a message.”
I can't make this event, but it seems like a fantastic idea. I like to bicycle but have found Middletown not to be a particularly bike-friendly place.
ReplyDeleteMost college towns developed such plans long ago. For the last 30 years Middletown has done nothing but modify streets to be less bike friendly. I was struck by a car once here in town as many of the streets are just to tight for both cars and bikes. Riding from say South Farms to Westfield you take your life in your own hands. I ride a couple of thousand miles a year and literally put my bike in the car, go to Higganum, Cromwell or wherever and bike from there. I'm not sure at all what can be done now given all the traffic but it will be interesting to hear.
ReplyDeleteI want a million dollar bike path to my house too.
ReplyDeleteI agree something needs to be done. The city should paint bike lanes and improve road shoulders for bikers. I do not want to see a waste of resources to install a dedicated pathway like the Westlake bikepath.
ReplyDeleteEnforce existing traffic laws for cars and bikes. Use the $800,000 for that and everyone will benefit all over town.
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