Highway Department To Hold Public Input Session On Bike, Pedestrian Plan Update In Springdale

Sunday, March 30, 2014

The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department is planning a public meeting this week in Springdale as part of updating the state's Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan.

The meeting will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in the Sam's Club Community Room at Arvest Ballpark. A formal presentation will begin at 6:15 p.m. and will focus on West and Northwest Arkansas issues.

The Highway Department is gathering input to update the plan originally published in 1998. The plan serves as a blueprint for state agencies, local governments and affiliated organizations.

"Arkansas has made great strides toward becoming a bicycle-friendly state," Scott Bennett, director of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department, said in a news release. "Although our resources are extremely limited, we will continue to play a role in this progress toward providing a convenient and safe infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians in the Natural State."

Arkansas moved up 13 spots to rank 37th among the 50 states for bicycle friendliness in last year's survey by the League of American Bicyclists. The ranking was based on infrastructure and money for bicycle facilities; education and programs that promote cycling; and passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride a bike.

Toole Design Group of Silver Spring, Md., is a national planning firm hired by the Highway Department to lead the meetings and update the plan.

Meetings in other areas of the state will be announced as they are scheduled. Additional information can be found at arkansasbikepedplan.com.

NW News on 03/30/2014