Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams says the county wants the public to weigh in on solutions to make the county a more safe, efficient and connected community for active transportation. McAdams says the survey is part of the county’s comprehensive active transportation planning and implementation project now underway.
“Today thousands of Utahns are riding bikes by choice, avoiding driving when possible. They are riding to work, doing errands and shopping, as well as riding for recreation. Transportation planners say that with a little help, active transportation can make a real dent in road congestion and air quality in the Salt Lake valley. That is why we’re launching this action project and we need the public’s help to make sure we get it right,” said McAdams.
McAdams said Toole Design Group, a national transportation consulting firm, has begun work on the project. It will take into account three types of riders: recreational riders, those who ride short distances between work/home/shopping and those who combine biking or walking with public transit to go longer distances. The focus is on a countywide active transportation network that is safe, efficient and offers cyclists realistic choices.
One of the first steps is to gather public input. McAdams said the online survey includes questions to better understand comfort level and safety concerns associated with biking in various scenarios.
“We’re hoping for responses from those who represent all cities and towns in the county, all ages, incomes, ethnic groups and those who bicycle a little, a lot, or not at all. The user experience is what it’s all about,” said McAdams.
More information about the active transportation project, as well as a link to the survey, can be found at www.slco.org/bikes.
