Alton pedestrian and bicycle plan unveiled; open house set

ALTON – The city of Alton is asking residents to review the walking and biking recommendations proposed in the Draft Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan during an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, at City Hall, 101 E. Third St.

For the past year the city has been working with residents and consultants at HeartLands Conservancy to create a plan.

“This 20-year master plan will help make the city a safer place to walk and bike. Having a plan like this will strengthen the city’s applications for state and federal funding will aid the city in receiving funding to implement these projects,” said Michael Haynes, director of Parks & Recreation.

The plan recommends facilities such as bike lanes, multi-use trails, and sidewalks throughout Alton. The plan also includes educational and enforcement elements along with grant suggestion for funding sources. Residents will be able to provide feedback about the recommendations. They will also be asked to help prioritize projects.

The open house is one of the last steps in the planning process that started last fall. More than 690 people took an online survey about walking and biking in Alton. An open house was held in September to get initial public input about important destinations and barriers. Throughout the process a Community Advisory Committee has met regularly to help develop the plan recommendations.

For more information on the Alton Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan contact: Michael Haynes, City of Alton Director of Parks and Recreation, (618) 463-3580 or mhaynes@cityofaltonil.com