Updating your city maps for spring

Having no place in particular to go with many places still closed down or limited access due to COVID, I haven’t ridden my bike much lately. I’ve ridden in winter before, and with clear paths it’s quite fun when dressed for the weather! But part of the reason I don’t cycle much in winter is that the cycling infrastructure near me isn’t fully connected to major routes so I would have to ride on icy sidewalks or roads narrowed by snowbanks.

All ages and abilities infrastructure

Even if your city doesn’t have fully connected, separated and protected paths and lanes for active transportation, you likely have safer residential routes that you can recommend to fill in the gaps. It’s all part of creating an equitable transportation network. You can learn more about all ages and abilities infrastructure on the National Association of City Transportation Officials website.

Roads for everyone

Have you heard of or read a book called “Roads Were Not Built for Cars“? It lends further credence to the idea that pedestrians and cyclists, and anyone who isn’t in an automobile, should have access to unimpeded travel lanes, just like drivers – that, in fact, roads were built for people, not vehicles.

During the pandemic lockdowns, many roads opened up to pedestrian and other non-vehicular traffic, and there were more restaurant patios and areas for people to gather outdoors. For example, Gaukel Street in Kitchener is now closed to vehicular traffic but open to pedestrians, and it’s a lively street with picnic benches, musicians, and artwork – a wonderful example of returning valuable public space for the use of the larger public.

Read more about 8 to 80 cities that seek to improve mobility and public space to create vibrant, healthy, and equitable communities.

Start planning now

Now is the time to start planning for spring updates! Municipal map projects can take 1-3 months, depending on complexity and how many stakeholders are involved with review and approval.

If your city has new public spaces, new multi-use paths, or new suggested local travel routes, make sure those are on your map so that everyone can find them.

Contact me for a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your map projects. When you don’t have the tools or the time, I can help.

Please follow and share on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Subscribe to get the next newsletter delivered to your email inbox.