Town of Normal officials are seeking public feedback to update the 2009 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
“There's a list of some high priorities, and they include things like making certain improvements to east-west connectivity in Normal for pedestrians and bicyclists — how to get from the east to the west — and we don't really have a solid trail connection for that,” Town Planner Mercy Davison said.
Davison said there are also concerns about making Veterans Parkway safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Two pedestrians have been hit and killed on Veterans Parkway in the last six weeks.
Town Engineer Ryan Otto said a lot can change in 10 years.
“There's a lot of new standards out there, and so we want to take those to the community and see if priorities of the community have changed,” Otto explained. “(Do) different aspects of the plan need more emphasis? Is there more emphasis on pedestrian travel?”
He also noted changed federal ADA and accessibility standards that could impact the needs of residents who bike or walk around town.
There will be a public input session from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, at the Community Activity Center to gather feedback, and an online survey is posted that is available for all residents who travel through Normal. Davison stressed the survey is not just for those who bike or walk frequently, but to gather the perspective from a wide array of residents.
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