How should Centre County improve walking, biking and more? Survey asks for feedback

The Centre County Metropolitan Planning Organization is seeking feedback for its Active Transportation Plan, and anyone in the county can take part.

Through May 3, any central Pennsylvania resident can visit the CCMPO’s website and fill out a survey that will contribute to the plan.

The plan’s overall objective is to enhance access to active modes of transportation countywide, including walking, biking and wheels — such as scooters, horse and buggies and all-terrain vehicles. The survey touches on each mode of transportation and asks questions about daily routines, transportation with children, safety and more.

According to the CCMPO’s Senior Transportation Planner Anne Messner, this type of public survey work is crucial for the study and what active transportation it can bring into, and improve, in Centre County.

“This type of public surveying is so important, because we really want to know from a citizen-level what they want to see come into the county,” Messner said. “Whether it be public transportation improvement, sidewalk constructions or renovations or a new bike path somewhere, this information tells us exactly what the people living here want.”

After the survey is complete, in June the organization will use the information to draft a plan for what can realistically be done in the county. From there, over the rest of the summer and early fall, the CCMPO will work closely with area municipalities to fill out grant applications for some of these projects, using the plan as a guide.

Messner noted that when forming the plan and helping with grant applications, public safety is going to be a high priority, with any project likely to help with the prevention of serious injury.

“A lot of times what the state takes into consideration the most with these grants is safety,” Messner said. “So what we ask first when talking about a project is if it will help prevent harm or injury in Centre County.”

While safety is the top priority, any feedback that is received will be taken into consideration.

“We’d love for any Centre County resident to participate — no thought is too small,” Messner said. “All feedback is good feedback and in turn, it helps us to create a better plan, which will lead to more successful grant applications.”