By Phil Sarnoff, Executive Director – Bike Utah
Last month we discussed the drastic population increases that are projected for the four Wasatch Front counties over the next 35 years. To review, populations in these four counties will increase anywhere from 52% (Davis County) to 136% (Utah County) by 2050. More comprehensive data from this study can be found here: www.utahfoundation.org/uploads/rr720.pdf
In response to these projections, Bike Utah has launched the Wasatch Bike Plan.
The goal of this campaign is to create the future of transportation along the Wasatch Front by initiating bicycle and pedestrian master plans in every community in all four Wasatch Front counties.
Bicycle and pedestrian master plans are the first step in assessing current conditions for bicycling and walking. This planning process involves the public, elected officials, and municipal staff to provide a way forward in improving existing facilities and recommendations for new facilities.
At Bike Utah, we believe that bicycles are one of the best answers to avoiding a future where the Wasatch Front is so reliant upon motor vehicles.
In order to make bicycling a reasonable transportation mode for everyone along the Wasatch Front, every community needs to be engaged. Our lives don’t stop at city borders and neither can bicycle routes and infrastructure.
A goal without a plan is just a wish. We are beyond wishing for more people to start riding bicycles. It is time to get every community active in creating a better bicycling future along the Wasatch Front.
As you will see on the map, there are numerous communities in these four counties that have not made a concerted effort to implement new facilities for bicycling and walking. We want to work with these communities to start them on the path towards creating a network that provides transportation choices for all residents.
If you live in one of these communities, feel free to reach out to us so we can get involved in helping your community get started. Send us an email at [email protected]
