Did you ever hear about people who had to walk 7 miles in the snow uphill both ways to get back and forth to school? Thankfully, our weather is beautiful, and most of us live relatively close to our public schools. Nevertheless, few students walk or bike to school because there are few safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists in our county.
One of the features of the Augusta Regional Transportation Study (ARTS) is the Bicycle Pedestrian Plan System Update (2023). The contractor managing the Bicycle Pedestrian Plan System Update has developed an interactive map where users can identify paths which need improvement. The public is invited to use this map to suggest routes where improvements are necessary.
So if you've wanted to walk or bike to school, a house of worship, a community center, a shopping center -- this is your opportunity to let transportation planners know where improvement is needed.
Finally, there is evidence that active commuting, in addition to the health benefits to the students and environmental benefits of reduced automobile use, can result in cognitive development.
What about the fences which surround subdivisions & school campuses?