Plan in motion for bicyclists, pedestrians - Funding not part of county trail network proposal
[B' Spokes: Typical, great bike plan but no funding. One day people are going to realize that a plan without funding is the same as no plan at all... but that's how we accommodate cyclists in Maryland. Also note the required match comment, Federal aid is OUR money and not the States and it's not right that the State [MDOT] is putting up barriers to keep that money from the localities. But that might be mute with the next authorization of the transportation bill and all that funding that has built up over the years will disappear.]
***************************************************************************************
By Matthew Bieniek, Cumberland Times-News
CUMBERLAND — Passionate advocates for walking, hiking and biking traded ideas, concerns and discussed the future in a wide-ranging discussion during a Thursday afternoon open house dedicated to the Allegany County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
“I see Allegany County as a destination for families, with something everyone can do,” said Jim Christie, a planner with Thrasher engineering, who is heading up plan development with Siera Wigfield, a county planner. “We want everyone to get excited about thew project,” Christie said. And everyone in the room seemed to be excited as comments and questions went back and forth between members of the audience, Christie and Wigfield.
Topics ranged from the crossing at Depot and Main streets in Frostburg to the larger questions of funding and organization.
“In Frostburg, one issue is getting people from Depot Street across to Main Street. You can’t do it,” said Maureen Brewer. The intersection is very busy and several fast food restaurants are in the area. Brewer is a member of Frostburg First and Mountain Maryland Trails.
“I love the trail recreationally, I just wish it was more utilitarian,” said Dawn Hartlaub.
Doug “Hutch” Hutchins discussed the need for some driver education on bicyclists and keeping them safe. He also asked about funding and government support. Hutchins owns Cumberland Trail Connections and is a board member of Mountain Maryland Trails. Hutchins suggested a partnership between police, county officials and the newspaper to promote bicycle safety, especially around busy crossings.
Sometimes, government has impeded trail development and access.
“There are always excuses ... these things can be overcome,” Hutchins said.
“I don’t think most people have a clue (about the rules for drivers encountering pedestrians and bicyclists),” said Nancy Forlifer of the Western Maryland Health System.
Funding is not part of the plan and will ultimately depend on government and interested organizations. Having a plan, though, will provide a good start toward obtaining the funds, said Christie.
Mayor Butch Armentrout of Carpendale, W.Va., said grant money is still out there but that most of it required a match. For small municipalities, that can be a challenge, he said.
...