YOU CAN NOT SIMPLY COAST THROUGH LIFE. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ON A BIKE IN A HILLY CITY. The Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Commission invited public comments at its meeting on Oct. 1.

Imagine waking up Monday morning, admiring your toned muscles in the mirror before breakfast, popping on a helmet, hopping on your bike, and zipping to work following clearly labeled signs and smooth trails right to your workplace – all the while enjoying cool, fresh air unpolluted by smog or honking horns. The City of Eau Claire is working to make this dream a reality.

On Oct. 1, questions flew, cameras flashed, and camcorders rolled as a crowd of curious and concerned citizens gathered at RCU for the Eau Claire Bicycle and Pedestrian Draft Plan meeting. Amidst the large, colorful maps displaying future bike/pedestrian path expansion plans, community members were able to learn about the draft plan as well as bring their own thoughts and concerns to the table.

Cities all over Wisconsin are realizing the energy efficiency, cost savings, health benefits, and environmental advantages of biking and walking for transportation. Eau Claire’s Comprehensive Plan in 2005 created the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, and helped develop of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan. Working to provide transportation alternative to motorized vehicles, the BPAC has completed their draft plan after two years of work and are now seeking public input.

The goal of the draft is to create an interconnected network of on- and off-road paths to form a transportation network throughout the city for all ages and skill levels, linking neighborhoods with major destination points. The commission is also putting a magnifying glass over the current pedestrian and bicycle environment to identify areas of concern, and to improve and promote walking and biking in Eau Claire. Looking to combine safety, convenience, enjoyment through expansion and education, the commission highlighted the development of mutual respect among motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians as a key component to success not just here in Eau Claire, but in surrounding cities as well.

 
   Current projects include the extension of the pathway east of Banbury Place north to Birch Street; construction of the path north of Eddy Lane; improvement of Birch and North Hastings Way; a grant to convert Chippewa River High Bridge to bike and pedestrian use; as well as the installation of more sidewalks. But there is still much work to be done.

There are six major issues the commission highlights and plans to address: gaps in a pedestrian system, a lack of an interconnected bike route system, a lack of site development standards, a need for bike parking standards, detour considerations, and the need to increase education and awareness for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. All of these issues will hopefully be resolved within the next 20 years with an incremental plan. Nothing is set in stone, however, and the commission is still seeking public input.

Some issues and concerns community members brought up were the budget and how well their money is being spent, safety issues with Clairemont Avenue, and lack of signage on trails and roads. Community members also offered advice to improve education about safety and our available trails (an education day?). Overall, locals were happy with the new draft plan, excited for the coming improvements.

This is a great opportunity for everyone to get involved in the improvement of our community. The committee is eagerly awaiting public input, and encouraging people to contact them before their Nov. 17 meeting, where they take comments into consideration and decide whether to forward the draft onto the plan commission.

    Check out details on the draft plan at eauclairewi.gov, and send comments to pat.ivory@eauclairewi.gov or ross.spitz@eauclairewi.gov.