Question from Anonymous

As a commission member, how high a priority would you assign to the development of pedestrian and bicycle pathways as alternatives to motorized transportation?

Ian Ward answered:

Thank you for your question. As a member of the commission we are bound to place certain issues such as public safety and infrastructure above all others. Our community’s need for sidewalks and pathways is dire and long overdue. Students cannot safely walk or ride to the store, neighbors cannot get from their homes to nearby parks and folks in wheelchairs are unable to commute anyplace without riding in the streets. It is unacceptable and demonstrates a failure of our city leaders to comply with their most fundamental of responsibilities. In addition to mere necessity, improving our infrastructure also allows us opportunities as a community such as encouraging additional wellness options in walking or biking and alternate means of transportation at a time when it hasn’t ever been more attractive.

www.ianward.org