A City That Asks The Right Questions

I’m impressed. The City of Salem is reaching out to cyclists and pedestrians with a survey regarding challenges and opportunities for improving bikeways and walkways. The survey takes about 15-20 minutes to complete, and is available to residents and non-residents alike, until November 21.

When you've completed the survey, you'll be encouraged to use an interactive city map where you can pinpoint and describe spots around town that are problematic. I've got some places in mind...I bet you do, too! The city's website continues to provide regular updates to improvements being made for cyclists and pedestrians.

Keep in mind that in April 2010, Bicycling Magazine ranked the Cherry City 19th among bike-friendly U.S. cities. This was accomplished in part by the amount of roadways in town that accommodate bikes. We all know that there's still a lot of work to make this town more efficient for non-vehicular transportation. Clearly, the City is reaching out in an effort to inform and be informed. Bicycling also gave high rankings to Portland (#2) and Eugene (#5) for similar commitments. Among small towns, Corvallis made the top 5 in the U.S. Undoubtedly, Oregon's cities have distinguished themselves in the cycling world! 

Gathering and disseminating information is always tricky for public entities; the City of Salem hit a home run with the ways they are using technology to accomplish this. All of us who care about walking and riding ought to take a few minutes to share what’s on our minds to make this town even better. They're asking, so let's tell 'em!