Input sought to address issues for Nelson’s cyclers and walkers

Nobody knows the best routes through Nelson like the people who walk and or bike it every day.

That’s why the city planners went to the public with an open house to gain input on their active transportation plan on Oct. 27.

Planners set up boards with city maps and asked people to use sticky notes and sharpies to help them answer a number of questions, such as where are the best cycling routes through town and where people find the roads dangerous to travel on.

“One of the biggest challenges we keep hearing about is the steepness of the roads in Nelson,” said Dallas Johnson, one of the planners working on the project.

“We want to do what we can to make active transportation more appealing.”

The city will look into adding more amenities in the city to make commuting on foot or cycling more appealing.

That might mean benches where people can rest en route or cycling lanes on the roads.

“A consultant will take all the suggestions and come up with a comprehensive plan for the city,” said Johnson.

A big part of the plan will include mapping the city with active transportation routes so people trying active transportation for the first time will know the best routes to travel.

They’ll also look to fill in gaps in otherwise good routes, which might mean adding traffic lights or crosswalks where they don’t exist.

To have input in the active transportation plan, visit city.nelson.bc.ca and take the active transportation survey or call Dallas Johnson at 250-352-8202 with your feedback. Public input is welcome until November 8.