NEWS RELEASES

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2008

For more information, Contact:

Peter Keating, Senior Transportation Planner
Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization
802.660.4071 x14

Public Invited to Comment on Regional Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan Update

Thursday, August 7, 2008, 7:00 p.m. ~ South Burlington City Hall

South Burlington, VT - The Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) is finalizing the 2008 Regional Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan with assistance from Wilbur Smith Associates and Alta Planning + Design. The public is invited to review and provide comments on the final draft at the South Burlington City Hall on August 7 at 7 p.m.

The plan is also available for review at: http://www.ccmpo.info/library/bikeped/, and comments may be submitted electronically to Peter Keating.

The final draft describes:

Vision, goals and objectives for bicycling and walking in Chittenden County
Existing conditions/progress from the 2003 Regional Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan
Recommendations and implementation strategy
Education and encouragement programs
Maps of existing on- and off-road facilities throughout Chittenden County

The Regional Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan provides guidance for the implementation of interconnected bicycle and pedestrian networks throughout Chittenden County. These networks are critical in creating a truly multimodal transportation system that serves residents and visitors alike. Education and encouragement programs for bicycling and walking are also an important component of the plan. These programs offer unique and interesting ideas on how to get more people walking and biking, as well as ways to educate both motorized and nonmotorized travelers on the rules and responsibilities for all travel modes.

Public comments are valuable in creating a meaningful plan for walking and biking in our communities. When all public comments have been evaluated, the plan will be presented to the CCMPO Board for approval - anticipated to be in September.

The CCMPO is a federally funded but locally controlled organization serving Chittenden County's 18 municipalities. The public is encouraged to become involved in this and all local projects. For more information about this project contact Peter Keating at 802.660.4071 x14, pkeating@ccmpo.org, or visit the CCMPO website at: www.ccmpo.org

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