Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/102968
Sarasota News Leader January 11, 2013 Page 59 OPEN HOUSES PLANNED ON DRAFT BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN Sarasota County has scheduled three openhouse-style meetings this month on its draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, the county has announced. Each is designed to allow the public to view the plan and maps identifying existing facilities and high-priority areas for improvements, a county news release says. Participants also will able to ask questions and provide comments. increase the safety and education of bicyclists and pedestrians," the release notes. "It includes facility design types and graphics, points out existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities and recommended connections, and identifies opportunities and deficiencies in the network for improvements," the release adds. "The plan is an essential tool for the county to use when applying for grant funds from state, federal and nonprofit organizations." In addition to the open houses, the county has The first meeting was held Jan. 9. Others will extended through Feb. 28 the opportunity for be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the following dates public input and comments on the draft plan via the county's wiki site. A link to the wiki and locations: may be found online at the Sarasota County • Monday, Jan. 14, Laurel Community Center, website, www.scgov.net, with the keyword 509 Collins Road, Nokomis. "Pedestrian." • Tuesday, Jan. 15, Venice Train Depot, 303 E. After submitting a valid email address and Venice Ave., Venice. agreeing to follow the civility code, users will Dates and locations for north county meetings be sent a password for this citizen feedback on the plan will be announced as well, the re- tool via email, the release points out. lease notes. Once the wiki has been closed and the open "The draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan identi- houses have been held, county staff will prefies a vision, mission and purpose for a bicy- pare a report summarizing the public feedback and present cle and pedestrian it and the draft network and proplan to the County vides a framework Commission this to promote and spring, the release encourage safe says. and efficient bicycle and pedestrian For additional intravel within Saraformation, consota County," the tact the Sarasota release adds. County Call Cen"It recognizes key partnerships and ongoing efforts to A photo from the Sarasota County draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan shows a bike lane on a new section of county road. Image courtesy Sarasota County ter at 941-861-5000 or email bikepedplan@scgov.net.