Chestertown Trails Committee
 
Search this site
Welcome‎ > ‎Latest News‎ > ‎

KCN Walkability Article

posted Jan 16, 2009 9:04 AM by Gibson Anthony
Excerpt from January 15 Kent News Article:

"But in the last year the move to convert the former railroad right-of-way in town to walking and biking trails has picked up steam with the formation of a trails committee headed by Councilman Gibson Anthony. Among those the committee has heard from is Chester Harbor resident Bob Chauncey, senior program director for the National Center for Bicycling and Walking, who made a strong pitch for the value of trails to a community – including the fact that real estate values increase dramatically in communities with trails.

The town has obtained federal grant money for the trails design, and a request for proposals for engineering specs drew ten bidders. After opening the bids, Town Manager Bill Ingersoll said some funds would probably be left to start construction of the trails after the engineering was finished.

What might make the community even more walkable? An AARP health and fitness Web page (www.aarp.org/health/fitness/walking) cites a number of factors including speed of traffic, condition of sidewalks and street crossings, and availability of desirable destinations.

Another good resource is the Web site of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, www.walkinginfo.org. The site includes a checklist you can fill out after a walk around your own neighborhood, helping to identify problems and suggesting solutions."