By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
To get more public input on how Bowling Green streets can better accommodate bicyclists, an online survey may soon be peddled out to local residents.
Members of the Bowling Green Bicycle Safety Commission agreed Tuesday evening to first hold a public forum, then send out a survey to collect citizen input. The effort is part of the Complete Streets program being worked on by the city. That program calls for streets to be more safe and welcoming for all forms for transportation, including bicyclists.
The commission hopes to hold the forum sometime in June. It was suggested that the city publish the 2007 transportation plan highlighting recommended bike routes through the community, so people can react to those routes at the forum and on the surveys. The survey is intended to reach a broad spectrum of the community to learn their priorities for bicycling in the city, according to commission chairman Rob Kleine.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the commission voted unanimously to name Bob Midden as “Spokes”person of the Year for 2016. Midden rides his bicycle to work at Bowling Green State University most days, except when the weather is icy or snowy. And he always wears his helmet when riding. The nomination form submitted for Midden, said he supports bicycling because it saves money, improves the environment and is good exercise.
In response to previous concerns being expressed about a lack of bike racks at key places throughout the city, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation Director Kristin Otley reported that she now has about 10 new racks to be stationed in the community. Three places being considered for the racks are the Wood County Committee on Aging, Bowling Green Municipal Court, and another one at the city administration building since the one already there is sometimes full.
Otley also said she relayed concerns to Wood County Park District about several of the stops along the Slippery Elm Trail not having bike racks.
It was also suggested that the new electronic sign by the police department add the suggestion that motorists watch out for bicyclists, not just motorcycles.
The bicycling commission’s next meeting will be June 21, at 6 p.m., in council chambers.
