7/19/2006 Media Contact:

Regional Pedestrian Plan Slated For Final Public Review

Area residents interested in making our region more walkable

are encouraged to attend an Open House on July 26^th where a proposed Regional Pedestrian Plan will be presented for public comment. The meeting will be hosted by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), the region’s primary transportation planner. Over the last three years, the MPO has worked with interested citizens to develop a plan that can serve as a guide for fully integrating pedestrian travel into the regional transportation system. The plan now includes recommended pedestrian routes and amenities. It is intended increase mobility options throughout Marion and surrounding counties, making the region more pedestrian-friendly while also improving traffic flow and air quality.

“Our goal is to make walking an integral part of our transportation system,” says MPO Senior Planner Amy Inman, M.S. “With high gas prices, and escalating concerns about health and the environment, a lot of people would prefer to leave their cars at home when they can. ”

Regional Pedestrian Plan Open House

6 PM, Wednesday, July 26

Indiana Historical Society - Canal Level

450 W. Ohio St., Downtown Indianapolis

The Regional Pedestrian Plan study began in the year 2003 in Marion County’s Center Township. Subsequent phases linked surrounding townships via a proposed network of pedestrian routes. The final phase of the study, which began last September, extended the plan beyond Marion County to look at portions of Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, Boone, Hamilton, Hancock and Shelby Counties. The July 26th Open House may be the last formal opportunity for public review of the proposed plan.

For more information on the Regional Pedestrian Plan or its Open House, visit www.indympo.org, or contact Amy Inman at 317/327-5646 (ainman@indygov.org).

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