City holds bicycle master plan workshop | Milford LIVE!

by Terry Rogers

On Saturday, September 12, the Metropolis of Milford held the second workshop designed to compile public enter into the Metropolis’s bicycle path infrastructure with a purpose to create a Bicycle Grasp Plan for the realm. On the workshop, maps had been offered detailing potential bicycle paths within the northern, southeastern and southwestern sections of the Metropolis.

“We’ve got labored with Lifecycle, Bayhealth and different organizations to attempt to create plans that may incorporate bicycle paths all through the Metropolis,” Ted Foglietta of Century Engineering stated. “We really drove or biked each one of many proposed paths with a purpose to decide if it could be possible or not. We’ve got even checked out off the highway choices with the purpose to make imporovements for linked paths all through Milford.”

Foglietta defined that the plan created loops that may join residential, employment and purchasing areas with a purpose to promote bicycling. The paths displayed within the maps had been primarily based on suggestions from the general public and that they hoped to have yet another workshop by the tip of the yr.

“At the moment, we are going to start to prioritize the initiatives, do some surveys and establish the place new developments could also be deliberate with a purpose to get builders on board with together with the paths of their website plan,” Foglietta stated. “We are also taking a look at how we are able to make the most of the attractive lakes and ponds on this space to supply bicycle paths that promote ecotourism. The plan incorporates already present bike paths in addition to new paths that can supply some connectivity to the bicycle choices within the space.”

“The Bicycle Path Grasp Plan could be an awesome asset to our city,” Lezlie Eustis, an avid bicycler, stated. “Biking round city is an effective way to study the Metropolis in addition to an effective way to get train. Extra bike paths would create extra and safer locations, not just for these on bikes, each seasoned riders and new riders, however for many who stroll, use scooters or different non-car sort transportation.”

Foglietta agreed with Eustis’ sentiments, explaining that though there are a number of bike paths recognized within the space, some are on very busy roads that some cyclists really feel are unsafe. He additionally believes the tradition relating to transportation is altering.

“We’ve got gotten some resistance from builders,” Rob Pierce, Planning and Financial Improvement Director for Milford, stated. “Individuals are searching for strolling and bicycle paths when they’re searching for a brand new house now. Extra individuals have chosen to bicycle to work slightly than drive with a purpose to scale back their carbon footprint. With this plan, we’re capable of present a developer with an precise plan they will incorporate into new developments simply.”

Early subsequent yr, Foglietta acknowledged that they had been hoping to take the finalized plan to Milford’s Planning Fee with a listing of prioritized initiatives. As soon as the Planning Fee approves the plan, it is going to be introduced to Council who may undertake an ordinance relating to strolling and bicycle paths. The date for the subsequent assembly has not been set however data might be offered on the Metropolis of Milford web site.