Disconnect at the Mayors Office

Today we received an email update from the City of Richmond's Mayor Dwight Jones talking about: "Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails"

Here is the text, I wonder if he is aware of all the problems we are having with the FOREST HILL AVENUE WIDENING PROJECT??

Another green initiative that I am particularly fond of is the Mayor's Pedestrian, Bicycling and Trails Planning Commission that I established on May 21, 2010, to give advice on ways to incorporate bicycling and walking as viable methods of transportation in the city of Richmond. In the Mayor's Order, I noted the benefits of physical activity to reducing the high incidence of obesity that exists in the city of Richmond. And I shared with the Commission my strongly held beliefs about opening the city's streets to bicyclists and pedestrians, as this would help to change the community's environment, promote physical activity and lead to a healthier, physically oriented culture.

In September at a public forum held at the Carillon, well over 200 individuals gave great input, and helped the Commission prioritize over 20 significant recommendations. Another 1200 responded to an on-line survey. The community decided that the Commission should advance the following recommendations to me as priorities that should be implemented over the next 6-18 months:

- Create a Pedestrian, Bike, and Trails Coordinator position;

- Implement "Complete Streets" policy and design standards, which are
streets that make room for cars, buses, bikes, and pedestrians.

- Develop a dedicated funding stream for the infrastructure development;

- Establish education/safety programs for all motorists, bicyclists and
pedestrians;

- Formally adopt the Mayor's Pedestrian, Bicycle and Trails Planning
Commission recommendations, and prioritize greenways, blue ways,
trails, on-road bicycle routes, and pedestrian routes as official routes for
the city of Richmond.

I will advance these recommendations to the City Council for formal adoption, Also, several members of City Council have already identified bike or trails projects in their districts that can be funded from the $1.25 million that was set aside from the FY10 budget surplus. If approved by City Council, the Commission's recommendations can begin being implemented in the next paving season.