Durham residents have been extended an invitation to participate in shaping the future of local transportation, with a focus on biking, walking, and rolling pathways. The city is calling upon its citizens to offer feedback for the forthcoming update to the 2025 Durham Bike+Walk Plan. This initiative aims to hone in on effective improvements for the city's sidewalks, bike lanes, and greenways. Those willing to share their thoughts can do so through an online survey and could potentially win a $50 gift card for contributing.
The need for resident input is underscored by the desire to align the updated plan with community priorities, fundamentally to enhance street safety and accessibility throughout the city. Multiple avenues stand open for feedback submission: the online survey, which will be available until the afternoon of January 17, 2025; an interactive online map for area-specific comments; and several in-person engagements with project staff in December and January.
These community-centric approaches to city planning strive to tap directly into the lived experiences and needs of Durham's diverse population. In particular, one community meeting will exclusively cater to Spanish-speaking residents, ensuring a broader inclusion of voices in the conversation. An array of events are scheduled, such as the Free People’s Bike Ride on Sunday and the LEAP 5K Jingle Walk/Run on Saturday, where residents are encouraged to come forth and voice their concerns directly to those at the helm of the developmental project.
All details for participating–from survey to scheduled events–are accessible on the City of Durham official project webpage in both English and Spanish. Highlights include a pop-up event at the W.G. Pearson Center next Saturday and another important gathering at the Avila Retreat Center on January 16. By taking advantage of these opportunities, residents of Durham have the chance to effect meaningful change and contribute to building an infrastructure that caters more aptly to the non-motorized traveller.
