Public participation encouraged as staff works to update the plan
Sarasota County’s Public Works Department staff is inviting members of the public to participate in the second Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan virtual workshop, which has been planned for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4.
“The Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan focuses on road connections and mobility options and is updated to reflect transportation trends in the community,” said Patrick Lui, Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Division coordinator, in a news release. “Community members are encouraged to participate in the workshop to share input on the consultant’s findings and have a voice in the development of our community’s mobility system,” he added in the release.
The updated master plan is expected to be completed this fall, the release notes. The first workshop on it, conducted in December 2019, focused on plan development and information gathering. The second, Aug. 4 workshop will feature a presentation of consultant Tindale Oliver’s initial draft findings, the release explains.
“Adopted in October 2013, the plan provides the framework to promote efficient and safe bicycle and pedestrian travel throughout the county,” the release points out.
Scheduled to be updated every five years, the plan has several guiding components, including an inventory of existing facilities, a crash analysis and a facility needs assessment, the release adds. The plan also is guided by a community-based mission statement, vision and goal, the release notes, and it evaluates industry recommendations and opportunities for partnerships with outside agencies.
In addition to the master plan updates, “Tindale Oilver will develop a Complete Streets Implementation Plan and Vision Zero Policy,” the release says. These new chapters of the master plan will facilitate the adoption of “standard policies for on-street and off-street treatments, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all,” the release points out.
For more information on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan or the public workshops, call the county Contact Center at 861-5000 or visit scgov.net.
Registration is encouraged, but not required, for the Aug. 4 workshop, the release continues. The hour-long presentation will be recorded, the release says, so it will available later for those not able to watch it live.
To register for the workshop visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2147180590957320206.
View the virtual presentation after Aug. 4 at https://www.scgov.net/government/public-works/transportation-planning/bicycle-and-pedestrian-planning/bicycle-and-pedestrian-master-plan-update.