Columbia's bike/ped plan moves forward

Columbia Missourian reported on further progress in Columbia's federally funded Nonmotorized Pilot Program:

When asked what he thought of the projects, Brigham said, “It’s hard to say. It’s great to live in Columbia. We get to be part of a great experiment, and we hope it’s very successful. I want to see more healthy Missourians, and walking and bicycling could be a big part of that.” Now that the projects have gained the favor of the Columbia Area Transportation Study Organization, they will go to the Missouri Department of Transportation for final approval, said Timothy Teddy, city Planning and Development Director.

The bulk of the recommendations call for spending $2.4 million on 12 major intersections. Nine of the intersections were identified as unsafe by the Bicycle and Pedestrian Commission in an April 2005 report.

MoBikeFed board member Fred Schmidt is on the citizen's committee:

“You’ve got to get MoDOT and the city and sometimes the county to ... agree on what’s going to get done,” Schmidt said after the hearing. “MoDOT actually feels that they have a responsibility to the motorist, and it’s taken some time for them to appreciate that everyone who uses the road — that’s our view — that everyone who uses the road has a right to a good level of facilities and service.”