Columbia, MO, ponders new bike/ped friendlier street standards

According to an article in Saturday's Columbia Tribune, the Columbia Planning and Zoning Commission is considering the adoption of new street standards that have been under development for a year and a half.

Under the new standards, there would generally be less pavement for motor vehicles and more space for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Street Standards Planning Group "said they hope that narrower roads and wider sidewalks will slow traffic through Columbia and make it easier and safer for bicyclists and pedestrians."

Ian Thomas, a member of the PedNet Coalition, said that wider sidewalks and narrower roads would help reduce childhood obesity and reconnect children with their neighborhoods.

Christy Welliver, who uses a motorized scooter, said the new standards will help many residents in her situation. "Eighty-five percent of us will become disabled, if we live long enough," Welliver said.