Conference on new Columbia $25 million bike/ped program concludes

Columbia, MO, is one of four cities nationwide to receive $25 million in federal funds to put in place a program to prove the worth of really comprehensive bicycle/pedestrian accommodations.

Today's Columbia Tribune has a story about plans that are developing for the project:

A vision for how to spend money from a $25 million federal grant aimed at reducing motor vehicle transportation in Columbia is emerging.

Funds earmarked for the Non-motorized Transportation Pilot Program will be used to create an expansive network of trails, sidewalks and bicycle lanes designed to encourage pedestrian travel in the city.

Mayor Darwin Hindman, city Public Works Director John Glascock and city Planning Director Tim Teddy met this week in Washington, D.C., with federal transportation officials and representatives from three other communities participating in the program to iron out the details.

"I think we learned quite a bit," Hindman said. "We kind of worked out, basically, what we’re going to do."

What they’re going to do is attempt to create a web of trails, sidewalks and bicycle paths that lead to transit shelters, schools, homes, shopping centers and parks. Accomplishing the feat will take some time.