URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The RPC is asking for public input on a plan to improve pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure and access to parks and trails through the first phase of public outreach for the Champaign-Urbana Active Transportation Plan (C-U ATP). The C-U ATP serves as an update of the existing 2014 Champaign County Greenways & Trails Plan and aims to encourage active transportation and access to local parks.
Active transportation refers to any “self-propelled, human-powered transportation mode, including walking, bicycling, and mobility device use.” The plan covers the entirety of Champaign County and the RPC encourages all Champaign County residents to provide feedback through the C-U ATP plan homepage at www.ccrpc.org/cu-atp.
Using the online survey and/or comment map, residents can share experiences as a pedestrian, cyclist, or park user in Champaign County. RPC staff want to hear opinions on current facilities, issues, or suggestions about active transportation and parks infrastructure. Survey responses and comments will be accepted through October 20.
“We know many residents enjoy Champaign County’s excellent parks and forest preserves, and this plan aims to improve the ability for people to safely walk or bike to these open spaces,” said RPC Planner Gabe Lewis. “We invite people to use the survey and comment map to share their experiences, especially those who walk or bike as their main mode of transportation and those who are newer to the area.”
RPC staff will use this public feedback alongside existing conditions data and current best practices to guide the future recommendations of the plan. These recommendations will include overall goals and objectives, specific infrastructure improvements, and implementation strategies.
As part of this plan, RPC staff will complete a 10-minute walk-to-parks study for the Metropolitan Planning Area (MPA). The MPA includes the City of Champaign, City of Urbana, University of Illinois, Village of Savoy, Village of Mahomet, and Village of Bondville.
