It was about four years ago that I began working as a volunteer bike and pedestrian advocate here in Northfield, Minnesota. There aren’t too many changes that I can point to and say, I helped that to happen. I can only say that some important changes in local planning have occurred, and the local discussion about transportation has shifted to better include all modes of transportation.

Perhaps the most significant result that I’ve helped to achieve is winning a Safe Routes to Schools non-infrastructure grant for Northfield in 2008. (Many people played a role in that project.) A large portion of the grant has paid for a technical/engineering study of walking and biking routes around Northfield’s three elementary schools and its middle school. Now that study is wrapping up, and the public can view the draft of the plan at an upcoming open house.

What follows is a message about the open house prepared by Brian Welch of the City of Northfield.

The results of our study and the proposed Safe Routes to School Plan for Northfield schools will be presented at a Community Open House scheduled for Wed., June 10, 2009 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the Bridgewater Elementary School cafeteria located at 401 Jefferson Parkway.

Please join us to understand the findings of our study and proposed improvements to provide safer walking and bicycling conditions for our students, while having the opportunity to provide feedback.  If you have any questions, please contact Brian Welch at 507-645-3027 or Brian.Welch@ci.northfield.mn.us.

A representative from Mn/DOT will be there.  The format will be informal with easels/posters arranged around the room and chairs/tables available for discussions and for the public to fill out comment cards. Possible solutions for the Highway 246/Jefferson Parkway intersection will be included.

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 7th, 2009 at 1:51 pm and is filed under Biking/Walking, Northfield, Transportation.