Walkable Community Program
City of Somerset
The program design assists neighborhoods in identifying infrastructure improvements to encourage walking and bicycling to restaurants, schools, businesses and parks. The program brings the transportation partner agencies staff and residents together in a workshop environment to discuss transportation issues and concerns in the area that pose a barrier to the community being pedestrian and cycling friendly. Concerns other than transportation are also discussed at workshops such as safety and code compliance.
Benefits of the Walkable Community Program include an improved quality of life by identifying the barriers. It promotes improved physical fitness and better health for individuals and an increase in social interaction in the community. By educating residents on the system changes that sustain a walking and biking environment they are better able to discuss their neighborhood’s future plans.
Reports summarizing the workshops are provided to elected officials and effected agencies for planning purposes. The reports provide a means to begin dialogue between the residents and community leaders. The MPO hopes to continue the program and believes strongly it supports the planning efforts of partnering agencies and municipalities in the region.
Listed below are materials used in the workshop:
Report: City of Somerset
The study area for the Somerset workshop encompasses the City’s limits and north of
the City on Somerset Road. Recently the City completed a Master Plan proposing walking, bicycling and equestrian trails throughout the City and connecting the schools in Somerset Independent School District. The City desires future growth that embraces its rural character, preserves local heritage and retention of its small town feeling. City leaders are aware of the need to consider active mobility for the health of its existing and future inhabitants and promote physical activity clubs and other activities that will benefit from a future trails system. The study area includes elementary, junior and high schools as well as businesses all within walking and cycling distance for residents in the area.
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