TOPEKA – Increasing active transportation opportunities across Kansas – whether walking, cycling, using a wheelchair, skateboarding, etc. – is the goal of the Kansas Department of Transportation’s newly revised Active Transportation Plan (ATP).
“Providing access to safe, direct and continuous routes for people whether they are driving, walking or cycling is essential for a healthy multimodal transportation system,” said Acting Secretary Calvin Reed. “The vision of the ATP is for Kansas to be a place where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds have safe and convenient active modes of travel available throughout the state.”
The ATP will serve as a guide for KDOT and Kansas communities on how to include and promote active transportation infrastructure when planning roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. The plan was developed with extensive input from Kansans and with guidance from KDOT and other state agencies, stakeholders and partners. National and local experts in planning, design and safety were included in the plan’s development process.
Funding for active transportation projects is included in the 10-year Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE.
“This plan provides communities with information to develop active transportation opportunities through improved planning, design and partnerships with state agencies,” said Matt Messina, KDOT Multimodal Bureau Chief. “Whether Kansans use active transportation regularly, rarely or somewhere in between, infrastructure that supports all modes of transportation is critical for residents.”
KDOT will host “Bike, Walk and Roll” webinars where attendees can learn how to implement the plan in communities. Webinars begin May 24 and continue through the year. People can also attend an in-person summit in McPherson from Sept. 20-22 with more details on each plan topic, workshops and other activities. To view the Kansas ATP and for information on the webinars and summit, visit https://www.ksdot.org/KansasATP.asp.