3. Road Dept-grant applications for Harwood, Mapleton

APR-3-2007 0B:J6 FROM:CITY OF HARWoOD 70128C!l3543 TO: 2982395 '~A Vision" A More Pedestrian-Friendly Community April 2nd, 2007 by Darlene Creating "walkability" goes beyond laying speed bumps and using a caution light. It's reconnecting a communjty with an obvious design flaw- no accommodation was made for pedestrian or bicycle traffic. A multi-use pathway is what our community needs. I'm stepping out on behalf of the kids in Harwood Community who want to walk, bike, but don't feel safe doing these things, because of high traffic. A major road way through town keeps people at bay fro111 getting out and enjoying tbe neighborhood. A pedestrian pathway would link two sides of a city together once again. By allowing people to walk to the bank~ school, gas station, church, and to work. One significant benefit would be a more active population. Obesity levels in the United States have been growing to epidemic proportions, resulting largely from inactive. automobile-based lifestyles. Bridging the gap along major transportation' routes with a waJk,ing bridge encourages the community to reconnect and pursue a healthier lifestyle. Bicycling and walking are increasi'ngly recognized as solutions to traffic congestion, environmentaf damage, and inactivity-related health problems. Making the city of Harwood accessible and user ftiendJy by providin,g non-motorized access from one side to the other, would be keeping up with the trend of other communities. We need to flU this gap in the community, which has been overlooked for too long. Thanks Darlene P.6