Layton City is inviting local citizens to comment at its upcoming Active Transportation Open House, slated for Wednesday, March 9 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Open House event will be held at the Layton City Center, in the City Council Chambers Room, 437 North Wasatch Drive.
The planned format for the night will be quite similar to the current online option for public participation. City staff will provide instructional displays to help the public learn about the Layton City Active Transportation Planning process. Participants will also be invited to place stickers on the boards to indicate desired destinations and barriers, draw desired routes, and fill out the Active Transportation survey. Layton City staff will also be available at various booths to answer questions and provide help.
Cities that invest in cycling, pedestrian trails, and pathways create significant opportunities for residents and visitors to exercise, and link with transit as commuting options. Some of the benefits of an established Active Transportation include reduced obesity and fewer risks for developing costly chronic conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Low-income neighborhoods benefit as well whose residents may be less likely to own multiple vehicles. In addition, incomplete streets, aging streets, or streets with fewer pedestrian focused design features pose a barrier to using active transportation.
Some of these transportation challenges were the catalyst that helped Layton City launch an Active Transportation Planning process for the community. Leaders from the city’s Parks and Recreation and Community and Economic Development departments are currently proceeding with strategic research and planning efforts.
City employees, who also live in Layton, are currently providing resident perspectives as part of the Steering Committee membership. These employees include avid cyclists, runners, hiking enthusiasts — all consistent users of the city’s trail system. Participants help suggest how members of the community will have a voice and meaningful opportunities to participate.
For more details regarding Layton City’s Active Transportation Plan development, contact JoEllen Grandy, Park Planner, jgrandy@laytoncity.org.