MASON CITY – The Mason City Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan project is nearing completion, and the City is seeking citizen input on the draft plan, according to city officials.
A Public Workshop will be held on January 6, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the Mason City Room of the Mason City Public Library, 225 2nd Street SE. A short presentation will be made at 5:30; however, citizens may attend at any time during the workshop hours. Members of the City staff and the consultants will be available to answer questions.
The proposed Mason City Bicycle Route Plan and the Pedestrian Plan will be unveiled for the first time at the workshop. The plans will be presented by the consultants chosen by the City to complete the plan, RDG Planning and Design of Des Moines.
Citizens will have an opportunity to review these plans and make comments. The final plan will be presented to the City Council at their regular meeting on January 21.
“We are very excited to share the final draft of the plans with the public,” said Steven Van Steenhuyse, Director of Development Services. “This plan is a culmination of the planning efforts during 2013, which included a citizen survey and workshops in each quadrant of the City. We received valuable input from cyclists, walkers and those who seek ways to enjoy the outdoors and access all that Mason City offers without having to get in the car. We’re excited about receiving feedback on the draft and making the final refinements to the plan.”
Van Steenhuyse added “The final plan will include implementation recommendations and will also identify costs and sources of funding. We’re looking forward to working with the City Council on future projects that make Mason City a safe and fun place for walking and cycling.”
After the workshop, a copy of the draft plan will be posted on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan project website, www.activatemasoncity.com. Additional comments and suggestions are encouraged. Those without access to a computer can leave feedback with the Development Services Department, (641) 421-3626.
hey sheep, have you ever heard of “Agenda 21”?
I wonder if they’re going to clean up the scarier areas of the paths, especially the ones along the river near the downtown? I used to walk the paths during my lunch hour, but I finally got scared off by some of the people who hang out around them. Some were pretty creepy. I don’t recommend walking alone.
@Opinion-I think they camp out in the woods when it is warmer. I know they do down by Cenex.
If going out in public scares you so bad, I’d suggest you lock the door to your home and hide in bed under the covers.
In the U.K. a company called Pro Tech are experimenting with ‘glow in the dark’ pathways which they call “Starpath”. This technology could create an element of safety while saving energy costs. And it might be kind of cool.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_eye/2013/12/26/pro_teq_starpath_uses_solar_power_to_light_victoria_park_in_cambridge_england.html
Lets hope that it is finally illegal for bicycles on downtown sidewalks….it always has been but the present police chief doesn’t care to enforce it nor post signs against it.
@al-It isn’t just the downtown area, it is all over town that they ride on the sidewalk. It has always been the law that they must ride in the street and obey the law. However, it is just like underage kids smoking tobacco. I see them everyday. 12 to 16 year old kids walking down the streets with a cigarette in their hand and the police just drive by. Unless they are busting a store so they can get the fine they are just not interested in enforcing the law. They do the same thing with loud vehicles. Just ignore it.
I’m thinking that if the (new) law is not posted, it can’t be enforced. The city council has to approve any signage that goes up in the city. There are a lot of laws in this town that are not really enforced. The law makers like to make them, to make us think that they’re doing something, it’s kind of like, lip service.
I would much rather see out tax money go to something like this instead of statues. At least this has some use involved and everyone can use it if they want. The mayor will probably want beer stand installed just in case he gets thirsty while watching other people work out.
I might actually visit Mason City if there were “beer stand”‘s placed around town. Walk around looking at statues of really random stupidity, drinking my beer… sounds like a really decent time.