GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Green Bay residents have green-lighted a new Safe Walk & Bike Plan.
On Wednesday, community leaders gathered at the Sgt. Benjamin Edinger Corridor West Side Trail to make the announcement.
The Safe Routes Project is a joint effort between the city of Green Bay and the Green Bay Area Public School District.
Following Tuesday night, the plan has been approved by the City of Green Bay Planning Commission, the city of Green Bay Common Council, and the Green Bay Area Public School District Board of Education.
“Thanks to all the community partners who devoted so much time and energy to developing this plan, and thanks to the Green Bay Area Public Schools for inviting the city to collaborate in the development process,” says Mayor Eric Genrich. “This document will have tremendous value for us as we accelerate our efforts to construct a transportation network that is safe and accessible to residents of all ages and abilities.”
At the heart of the project is an effort to improve the accessibility of city trails and bike paths.
Mayor Genrich says the city already has a number of great trails, but that’s enough.
“Making sure that all of those amenities are well connected, so that someone can traverse the entirety of the city,” he explains.
In fact, connectivity will be a major focus for the city.
“It’s something that I definitely heard during the campaign and even prior to that,” he says. “To begin intentionally developing this network of trails and bike paths.”
Genrich says people of all ages are looking for projects like this in their community.
“To develop a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plan is essential for cities that are interested in retaining young people and empty-nesters and everyone in between,” he explains. “I think the idea is to create a community that is open and accessible to all people.”
To have a network of trails and bike paths with increased connectivity and safety will be a major plus for families with children in school, according to Green Bay Area Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Michelle Langenfeld.
“The Green Bay Area Public School District is proud to be part of this partnership that will help all students, families, and staff get to school safely,” says Langenfeld.
While gaining approval is a big step forward, Genrich says that action is now needed.
“So it’s really important to have this document, it’s even more important to actually implement what the recommendations are,” he explains.
But, leaders say a timeline going forward is still a little murky.
“Every single one of the recommendations has kind of a rough timeline associated with it,” says Genrich. “It’s kind of a rough estimate.”
Adding to the uncertainty of a timeline is the fact that applications for funding will be needed, but speakers Wednesday reiterated that without an approved plan they would be ineligible to receive anything.
More information on the project can be found here.
