Athens city officials have invested $20,000 into improving the commute for the nearly 10,000 students and residents who walk or bike to work or school each day.
Last week, the city held the first of two bike and pedestrian planning meetings, where about 60 students and residents discussed which parts of the city could be improved for walkers and bikers, city planner Paul Logue said.
We had a terrific turnout last week
he said. We had a good mix of students and residents who gave their points of view.
Leading the project is The Greenway Collaborative, a Michigan consulting firm that specializes in improving paths for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles.
Representatives from Greenway are also analyzing online surveys to develop a list of important concerns for citizens, founder Norm Cox said.
Cox added that Athens has an exceedingly high number of pedestrians and cyclists who depend on safe and accessible routes around the city.
The percentage of Athens commuters who do not drive is the largest of Ohio cities with a population higher than 15,000, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.
The surveys are not complete yet, but so far residents are listing Court Street, the Richland Avenue Bridge and East State Street as their biggest concerns, he said.
Something that's unique to Athens is the topography of the area and right now a lot of times
to get around you have to take stairs
which obviously makes it really difficult for bikers
he said.
The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12, where representatives from Greenway will present preliminary ideas for improving existing bike paths and sidewalks.
The city's goal for the project is to make all travel in Athens - whether by car, bike or foot - safer.
When so many of us walk to get around the city
this project is a great investment
especially when we're trying to make everyone safer
he said.
It is too early to say what kind of work will be done, Logue said.
But Cox added that some improvements, like repainting bike path lanes or adding signs warning motorists of pedestrians, could be very low-cost.
Surveys are due by Friday and can be found on the city's Web site, www.ci.athens.oh.us
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