Community workshop discusses pedestrian, bicycle path improvements
Workshop map showing community interest for pedestrian and bicycle paths. Click the image for an enlarged version.
Workshops focused on updating the 2009 Bike Master Plan
–Two workshops have been held for the Paso Robles community to participate in updating the 2009 Bike Master Plan. The workshops were held Tuesday and Wednesday evening. The first meeting, held at Paso Robles City Hall was attended by approximately 35 people. There were very few participants for Wednesday’s workshop.
Paso Robles City Planner Susan DeCarli said that Tuesday night’s workshop was, “the best workshop I’ve ever attended.” The participants broke into small groups to address pedestrian and bicycle issues that were important to them and their neighborhoods. “The outcome was a map highlighting areas of the city that need improvement and better access for foot and bike traffic,” said DeCarli.
The map identifies a number of areas, including three schools, where the participants wanted to see improved pedestrian and bike access. Two schools, Georgia Brown Elementary at 525 36th St. and Bauer Speck Elementary School at 401 17th St, were identified due to lack of sidewalks. Flamson Middle School at 2405 Spring St was also identified as needing safer pedestrian access. DeCarli said this kind of community input is very important both for planning and for acquiring funding. Community comments included turning a city utility road that runs off of Creston Rd just north of Charolais into a public path, connecting a pathway from Lana Lane to Sherwood Park and across the Salinas River to downtown and adding access from Larry Moore Park south into 154 acres of city-owned open space.
Photo of Tuesday night’s meeting.
Larry Werner, North County Engineering, who helped develop the 2009 Bike Master Plan, said “the 2009 plan did not have a pedestrian component so we are looking for input on how we can also make Paso Robles more pedestrian friendly as part of the new Plan.” Werner said there is an online survey on the City of Paso Robles website where community members can identify what is important regarding pedestrian and bicycle access and safety. So far, Werner said some of the more interesting results include:
- 75 percent of the respondents indicate continuous sidewalks are important
- 70 percent think the city needs more bike paths away from streets
- In response to the question, “Where would you like to see better pedestrian and bicycling routes?” 71 percent indicated “Downtown,” 68 percent indicated “Parks” and 56 percent indicated “Schools.”
The survey is still active and both DeCarli and Werner are encouraging anyone interested to take the survey. The survey can be accessed on the City of Paso Robles website or click here.
The recent community meetings for the Creston Road improvements also include input for pedestrian and bicycle paths and safe routes to schools. The City Council also recently formed a Bicycle and Pedestrian Stakeholders Committee to assist city staff with community outreach.
DeCarli said that community input is important to help update the master plan and to provide guidance to creating safe, enjoyable and convenient walking and bicycling options within the city. DeCarli said that everyone in the community is still welcome to participate by taking the online survey or by calling (805) 237-3970 or sending DeCarli an email at sdecarli@prcity.com.
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