Bike paths, one-way streets and pedestrian corridors are among some of the things planned for phase two of Easy Streets — a part of a study that began in October 2008. The initial draft analyzed the first phase’s effectiveness as well as how to make improvements, especially concerning pedestrian safety. Jason Soileau, assistant director of Facility Development, said the study’s draft was submitted last week and evaluated the core of the campus.Gary Graham, director of the Office of Parking, Traffic and Transportation, said once the draft is refined, a committee will review the recommendations and decide which are appropriate. “If there are any recommendations to be made that require any changes to the rules, regulations or infrastructure, it’ll be done over the summer and implemented for the fall,” Graham said. Graham said the work would be done during the summer, when it would impact the University least.Walker Parking Consultants, which did the study and Easy Streets phase one, collected data at the end of last semester and wrote the draft. The University paid around $40,000 for the company’s services. A bike plan is also in the works, including more bike racks and bike lockers, Soileau said. Nick Bogan, civil engineering junior, said Easy Streets makes walking around campus easier.”I think it’d be cool, especially the bike paths because there’s a lot of bikes,” Bogan said.—-Contact Brianna Paciorka at [email protected]
Easy Streets to focus on pedestrian safety
February 25, 2009