Forum to address safety of pedestrians, bicyclists
By JODIE GARCIA, Herald Staff Writer
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What do you think about Ottawa’s walking and biking paths around schools?
City and school officials want to know.
A public forum on the issue is set for 6 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 101 S. Hickory St. The forum will consist of a presentation and a period for public comments.
Residents from all areas within Ottawa are invited, but particular attention will be paid to areas around schools, city officials said.
Information gathered Thursday night will be used to develop goals for a plan and funding request for a Safe Routes to Schools program, Tom Yahl, assistant city planner, said.
Yahl said the city and school district are working together on the program and hope to secure a grant, which is administered through the Kansas Department of Transportation.
He said city and school officials are aware of a number of problem areas where it’s difficult for children to walk to school. It is hoped Safe Routes to School will address those issues, Yahl said.
Earlier, the school district sent out a sidewalk survey to patrons. At the time, Becky Nevergold, director of Communities In Schools, said people generally said they wanted more sidewalks and better ones.
Yahl said sidewalk improvements are only part of the equation and that programs to teach driver and pedestrian education also are important.
In its grant application, the city and school district must identify goals related to the five E’s, Yahl said — engineering, education, enforcement, encouragement and evaluation.
He said the district already has some programs in place, like the Walking School Bus, which falls under the encouragement category.
Yahl said following the forum, a plan and grant application will be completed.
He said he didn’t know exactly when officials would know whether Ottawa was selected to receive funding, but the program would move forward regardless.
“We encourage folks to come and let us know what they think,” he said.
Questions and comments may be directed to Yahl at (785) 229-3620.
Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.
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