In early March, the Pleasant Prairie Park Commission reviewed the 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Plan drafted for the Village by the Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin. You are invited to view the plan, which is available by clicking here. The primary goal of the plan is to guide the Village in establishing and maintaining a "safe, comprehensive and integrated bicycle and pedestrian trail network that encourages the use of bicycles and walking for commuting, recreation and other trips."
"The Village recognizes that bicycling and walking are both inexpensive and non-polluting forms of transportation that many people without access to motor vehicles rely on," explained John Steinbrink Jr., Public Works Director for the Village. "It's our intention to make these forms of transportation more viable for those traveling in and through the community." A Park and Open Space Plan approved by the Village in 2006 recommended the further study and evaluation of a proposed bicycle and pedestrian trail system. Upon its approval, the Village sought proposals from consultants for the creation of a plan for a trail system and created a steering committee to oversee planning. The Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin was selected as the consultant for the project.
In May of 2009, the Village hosted a public informational meeting to solicit input from the community related to the topic, and a community survey was conducted to gather additional information related to trail facilities and usage. The Bicycle Federation then worked to incorporate the input into a comprehensive document that considers existing conditions, outlines goals and objectives, and makes recommendations regarding a proposed trail network, facilities and funding opportunities.
Upon review and consideration of the plan in early March, the Park Commission adopted the plan. They also recommended its adoption by the Village Plan Commission and Village Board as a component of Pleasant Prairie's 2035 Comprehensive Plan. The Village Plan Commission will consider the new Bicycle and Pedestrian Trails Plan on Monday, April 12, and the Village Board will consider the plan on April 19. To view a copy of Pleasant Prairie's 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Plan, please click here.