Lawrence, Kansas is planning its first-ever bike count. During the second week of September, volunteers will attempt to count the number of cyclists using streets, sidewalks and recreational paths. The data they gather will then will help paint an accurate picture of the current state of cycling in Lawrence, identify areas that need improvement, and hopefully be used to apply for grants in the future.
Lawrence and Douglas County planners, KU students and other volunteers are being drafted to chart two-wheeled travel in the River City.
The first-ever bike count is coming.
Armed with reliable information, city officials not only would be better equipped to ask the federal and state governments for money, Rudolph said. They also would be more knowledgeable about just where to seek such grants, and then how to spend them.
“We’ll be able to better pinpoint where to better invest that money when we do make improvements,” Rudolph said. “We’ve got to have a plan. Whether it’s a bike lane, bike route or rec path, we know what the plan is for the entire community — and, hopefully, we can get those things done.”
Ann Freiwald, project manager for Alta Planning and Design, a Portland, Ore.-based firm that compiles master plans and creates specific designs for bicycle-oriented projects, will be helping the city plan and run their bike count project. For the past 15 years she has conducted public meetings and made presentations on bicycle and pedestrian issues, and has helped compiled data from more than 300 counts in 93 different communities nationwide.
So if you live in or near Lawrence, be sure to ride your bike during that time. Ride and be counted!
Read more from the Lawrence Journal-World: Cyclist census may help secure federal funding
Post tags: Lawrence
