Bike advocates and transportation planners are shifting gears to hear public feedback on enhancing the region's bike network.
The Tri-County Regional Planning Commission’s year-old Bike Connect HOI initiative plans to hold an open house Wed. that aims to gather responses on proposed action items for improving bike transportation.
Nick Hayward is a senior planner with the regional planning commission. Hayward says however, those interested in joining the conversation should consider the long view...
“An important point about this regional bicycle plan, this is a long-term plan where we’re looking over the next 20 years at what improvements could be made in the region in the future,” Hayward said.
One of the potential upgrades for the road ahead include the plan to connect the Rock Island Trail in Peoria to East Peoria and Washington. Hayward says that would create nearly 40 miles of continuous bike path in the region.
“To have a bicycle network like that for transportation and recreation, I think would make the area more attractive businesses, prospective residents, would just overall make the area more vibrant, more exciting,” Hayward said.
Hayward says attendees of the open house will be encouraged to leave feedback on proposed action items and plans. Bike Connect HOI’s open house is from 4-7pm at the Gateway Building in downtown Peoria.
