Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning
Bike to Work Day - Friday, May 17
Mark your calendar for 2013 Bike to Work Day. SWRPA and municipal partners will produce two events this year on Friday, May 17. Both events will run from 7.30a - 9.00a and offer free refreshments and giveaways for cyclists.
- Norwalk - South Norwalk rail station, eastbound (New Haven) side.
- Stamford - Veterans Park, Atlantic Street and Main Street.
The Norwalk and Stamford events are two of many taking place across Connecticut during National Bike to Work Day.
For more information, contact Alex Karman (karman@swrpa.org or 203.316.5190)
Bicycle-Pedestrian Safety Corridor Study
The purpose of this study is to analyze and recommend safety improvements to state highway segments in the South Western Region with elevated rates of bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Eight sections of state highway were examined in Greenwich, Norwalk, Stamford, and Westport
Final Report (pdf, 12.6 MB)
Merritt Parkway Trail Study
Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is conducting a feasibility study of of a multi-use trail along the Merritt Parkway. As part of the study, CTDOT is holding public workshops in each community through which the parkway traverses.
Prior Studies:
Bike-Ped Factsheet
A one-page summary of bicycle and pedestrian planning in southwestern Connecticut updated for 2012:
Factsheet: Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning in Southwestern Connecticut (pdf, 2.7 Mb)
Long Range Transportation Plan
Going Forward: The Plan to Maintain & Improve Mobility is the South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization's thirty year plan for transportation investment in the region. Inclusion in the plan makes transportation projects eligible for federal funds. The plan included a section on bicycles and pedestrians, which is excerpted below:
Long Range Transportation Plan 2011 - 2040: Bicycle-Pedestrian Section (pdf, 1.2 Mb)
Overview:
The region's vision for bicycling and walking echoes the state's vision and goals at a regional level: 'To enhance the bicycle and walking environment throughout the South Western Region (Connecticut) by providing for the safe, convenient and enjoyable use of these modes of transportation in an effort to meet the publics' demand for improved mobility and a better quality of life.' (CTDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, 1999).
Safe and connected pedestrian and bicycle facilities are essential elements of the comprehensive multi-modal transportation system envisioned for the South Western Region. These modes provide personal transportation choices that are alternatives to the single-occupant vehicle. They are environmentally-friendly and benefit air quality and reduce energy use and traffic congestion. They can be relatively low cost, and contribute to a better quality of life. The challenge is to develop a 'bicycle and pedestrian friendly' region and state.
SWRPA continues to promote bicycling and walking in the region through a number of initiatives. A Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, currently under development, will identify projects to make bicycling and walking safer and more convenient. SWRPA also assists its member municipalities obtain funding for Safe Routes to School and Federal Transit Administration Enhancement projects.
Projects and Initiatives:
Grant and Assistance Opportunities: