A pedestrian and bike plan for the city gained approval Thursday from the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission, sending it on to the City Council for its consideration. The council will have a hearing on the plan May 15.
The plan aims to improve safety, connectivity, and mobility for bikers and walkers.
The Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), which includes Jefferson City and other Mid-Missouri municipalities, approved the plan in October after 18 months of development. The Jefferson City Parks and Recreation Commission approved the plan in February.
The plan looks to address several areas in Jefferson City:
- Improve sidewalk connectivity, updating the city's sidewalk plan with the goal to improve access to schools, residential areas and local businesses;
- Review policies and ordinances to include language about making streets, roads, and sidewalks safe and accessible;
- Develop signed bike lanes and routes;
- Improve trail connectivity;
- Improve pedestrian and bike safety measures; and
- Improve tourism and support economic development.
St. Martins has approved a plan for its community, and Holts Summit also has a plan in place.
The final plan will be used to make recommendations for all communities within CAMPO, each of which has some type of goal for pedestrian paths. However, the CAMPO plan will be more overarching, seeking to provide guidance for all communities within the organization.
Another aspect of the plan is education and encouraging people to walk and ride bicycles more. On that side of the plan, officials said CAMPO may try to get involved with school districts and other local jurisdictions to come up with the best ways to educate people on how to be safe while walking or riding.
City officials also noted having these policies and designations in place would enhance Central Missouri's eligibility for federal funds for various projects.