Background & Purpose
The Foothills Regional Commission received funding to study opportunities to improve connections between the Thermal Belt Rail Trail, Purple Martin Greenway, and nearby schools. There are numerous schools located within walking and biking distance of these trails, but obstacles such as lack of complete sidewalks, bikeways, and safe road crossings can make it difficult to travel these short distances by foot or on a bike. By prioritizing safe walking and bicycling connections between schools and trails, we can provide increased opportunities for active travel and healthy lifestyles for students, parents, and community members.
The purpose of this study was to assess existing conditions including challenges and opportunities, gather public and stakeholder feedback and ideas, and recommend infrastructure, programmatic, and policy measures that can be used to improve walking and biking connections to schools.
The purpose of this study was to assess existing conditions including challenges and opportunities, gather public and stakeholder feedback and ideas, and recommend infrastructure, programmatic, and policy measures that can be used to improve walking and biking connections to schools.
Study Area
This study focused on improving bicycle and pedestrian connections in the communities near the Thermal Belt Rail Trail and Purple Martin Greenway, including Gilkey, Ruth, Rutherfordton, Spindale, Bostic, and Forest City.
Specifically, the study examined options to improve connections to the following schools and educational centers:
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Planning Process |
Steering Committee & Stakeholders |
The planning process included input from the public, participation and direction from project stakeholders (see list below), and public presentations of draft and final plans. The timeframe for these and other steps are outlined below:
Ongoing: Public Outreach Spring 2022: Project Kick-Off & Existing Conditions Spring 2022: Draft Plan Development & Review Summer 2022: Final Plan Development & Presentation |
The study was guided by a Steering Committee representing a range of perspectives, and drew upon a group of stakeholders for input throughout the process, including, but not limited to:
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