Chapter 5: Strengths – Barriers – Opportunities Analysis

C HA P T E R 5: S T R E N G T HS – BA R R I E R S – O P P OR T U N I T I E S A N A L Y SI S

A strengths, barriers and opportunities analysis of existing policies and programs related to walking and bicycling to school was also performed. This is similar to a SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) but tailored for use in SRTS planning. The comments in the following tables are not edited and are not listed in any priority order. Recommendations to improve SRTS found in the sub-chapter titled “Action Plan Recommendations” at the beginning of this document have taken into consideration Rothsay’s unique strengths, barriers and opportunities.

STRENGTHS

The City of Rothsay and the Rothsay Public School have many strengths to work with, similar to many other communities in west central Minnesota. Identifying and understanding those strengths are keys with regard to any SRTS plan. The strengths listed in detail (see Table 2) below were gathered by the Rothsay SRTS team.

Table 2: Community and School District Strengths

Community Strengths

1 The new school grounds are well designed to separate motor vehicle traffic from student pedestrian and bicycling traffic.

2 While on the edge of town, the entire City of Rothsay is within one mile of the new school location with approximately 45 percent of residences within a half mile.

3 SRTS has a champion in Rothsay with Principal Staci Allmaras.

4 Several Rothsay teachers are trained in Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum.

5 Almost all residential streets within Rothsay are 24 feet or narrower which creates a traffic calming effect ideal for shared use where pedestrians, bicyclists and motorist all share space in the streets. 6 Support from the school and community (example is raising money to help pay for children’s school supplies).

7 Population is increasing.

8 Fitness center is available at the school.

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9 Fresh produce is used whenever possible within the school.

10 Lions club is a big supporter helping to donate money, work, labor and time.

11 Other stakeholders/supporters – Tri-county foundation, Sanford Health, Perham Health, Otter Tail Power and Lake Region Electric.

12 In all new construction projects, ADA compliant curb cuts are being installed.

13 DARE officer: Elliot Stoll.

14 Bike racks available/present on school grounds and pool is nearby.

BARRIERS

To successfully develop and implement SRTS activities and programs, it was important for the SRTS team to identify and understand the existing barriers within the community that are preventing children from walking and bicycling to school. These barriers, listed in detail in Table 3 below, are an accumulation of information received from the SRTS team.

Table 3: Community and School District Barriers

Community Barriers

1 The new school location is just over 1,000 feet from the closest residence.

2 County 52, with a speed limit of 55mph creates a barrier between the residential parts of Rothsay and the new school location.

3 Interstate 94 directly north of the school forms an impenetrable barrier for any current or future student who may wish to walk and/or bike to and from school.

4 The truck stop brings a large amount of traffic within close proximity to the school including heavy commercial trucks.

5 Center Street was noted by some for it fast traffic which creates a barrier for those students living on the east side of town.

6 Sidewalk infrastructure lacking and much of what remains is in poor condition.

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OPPORTUNITIES

The SRTS team identified opportunities to improve walking and bicycling to school that are not currently being acted upon. The list of opportunities in Table 4 is not exhaustive but is an accumulation of ideas and action steps to help achieve the overall vision.

Table 4: Community and School District Opportunities

Community Opportunities

1 Population is increasing and the housing stock will need to be increased to accommodate the population.

2 If a pathway can be built along North Broadway Ave under U.S. Highway 10 then there is an opportunity for students living north of the highway to walk and/or bike to and from school.

3 Encourage employees to walk or bike to work.

4 Encouragement opportunity – If trails, parks sidewalks etc. are built then the students using them will come.

5 Encouragement – Continue to support smart walking/biking behaviors of children (Involves local law enforcement and other businesses).

6 Six Bicycle Boats – could be used for different events.

7 Getting people to use the built environment and walk/bike to school.

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