SRTS Planning Process SRTS Overall Vision Perham envisions a community connected by trails and sidewalks. Through the use of safety improvements, infrastructure, and education we will strive to increase the number of students walking and biking to school. We realize that by providing students a safe opportunity to walk/ bike to school we are helping to instill positive habits and create a culture of walking/ biking not just in schools, but also to help foster a healthy lifestyle of Perham residents.
SRTS Overall Goals 1) Recommendations for infrastructure solutions that will provide a safe route for walking and biking from the north end of town to the south end of town- allowing safe navigation through the perceived danger zones, i.e. crossing the railroad tracks, Main Street, and crossing 3rd Avenue (“Hwy 78”) 2) Explore development/expansion or walking/biking trails that connect school and after school activities; i.e. Boys and Girls Club and Perham Community Center (PACC). Longrange plan needed regarding sidewalk installation, up keep and expansion. 3) Recommendations regarding changes needed in bus and family vehicle drop off spots that will promote a safer environment for bike and pedestrian traffic. 4) Leverage community assets to help accomplish our goals 5) Increase education and encouragement to create a culture that supports walking and biking to school 6) Recommendations for effective bike and pedestrian ordinances and policies 7) Create a plan for improving infrastructure (such as sidewalks, trails, and crosswalks) to help foster to safety and mobility of students and community members
Planning Process – Kick-off Meeting 1st,
On Monday October 2012 a Kick-off Meeting was held. It was attended by 15 persons who form the core of the Safe Routes Planning Team. At this meeting the team discussed the purpose of Safe Routes to School, shared strengths and discussed initial issues, and identified some “quick wins” Strengths/ Opportunities New Interchange has improved safety- fewer trucks going through town Active service clubs Cooperative bus company Innovative thinking by community leaders Lots of different opportunities for the kids Downtown is walkable- can build off this shopper/visitor traffic Considering a Complete Streets Policy Capitalize on wide streets/existing infrastructure
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