Resident Input Needed for County Walking-Bicycling Survey

Poughkeepsie… The Poughkeepsie-Dutchess County Transportation Council (DCTC) is updating its county-wide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan to identify priorities to make walking and bicycling better transportation options for more people.   The DCTC has created an online survey, WalkBikeDutchess,  to gather county residents’ opinions about walking and bicycling and identify local needs.   The survey is available at www.dutchessny.gov/WalkBikeDutchess until April 15th.

“Once again we are seeking residents’ input about how we should prioritize resources and direct our efforts to continue to improve the quality of life here in Dutchess County,” said Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro. “Walking and biking are ideal transportation options that offer health and environmental benefits and are a great way to enjoy the beauty of our county.   We want to know how we can improve these important transportation options and encourage more people to take advantage of walking and bicycling.”

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan will focus on ways to improve non-motorized access to schools, transit, parks and other key activity centers.   It will provide design guidelines for pedestrian and bicycle facilities and highlight education and encouragement programs to improve safety and promote walking and bicycling.  The last Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was completed in 1996.

The survey is available online in English and Spanish.  Paper copies are also available from the DCTC. Survey results will be incorporated into the updated Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, which is expected to be completed by December 2013. To learn more about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, see the DCTC webpage at http://dutchessny.gov/pdctc.htm and click on “Walking and Bicycling Resources” and then “Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan,” or contact the DCTC at (845) 486-3600 or pdctc@dutchessny.gov.

About the DCTC:  Established in 1982, the DCTC serves as the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) for Dutchess County. Federal regulations require that Urbanized Areas (U.S. Census defined metropolitan areas with over 50,000 people) be represented by a MPO, which is responsible for ensuring that Federal highway and transit funds are committed through a locally, driven comprehensive planning process.  The DCTC includes representatives from local municipalities, the New York State Department of Transportation, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.