Active transportation refers to human-powered modes of transportation such as walking or cycling. The Kansas ATP will serve as a guide for the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) on how to include active transportation infrastructure when planning roads, bridges, and various improvement projects. Funding for active transportation projects is included in the 10-year Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, or IKE.
“Providing access to safe, direct, continuous, and pleasant routes whether driving, walking, or cycling is essential for a healthy multi-modal transportation system,” said Matt Messina, KDOT Comprehensive Planning Unit Manager. “Our intent is for Kansas residents to have a direct voice in development of the ATP.”
The Kansas ATP will focus on how active transportation can be improved through better policies, planning, design, and partnerships with other state agencies and local communities. Whether Kansans use active transportation regularly, rarely, or somewhere in between, public input and ideas are critical to developing the plan. All Kansans are encouraged to get involved by participating in the online opinion survey and providing stories about how and why they are incorporating active transportation into their lives.
“We know that over the last several months many people have discovered walking, cycling, rolling, and other forms of active transportation are fun and healthy ways to get around,” said Secretary Julie Lorenz. “For others, active transportation has long provided an essential need, an affordable way to get to work, school, transit, the store, and other destinations. At KDOT, we are committed to providing transportation options that help people travel safely and conveniently — and to do that well, we need to hear from Kansans.”
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The planning process for the Kansas ATP will continue through 2021 and will involve national and local experts in planning, design, and safety. The final plan will be a key tool for KDOT staff and local officials to use and include KDOT's vision, recommendations, and decision-making criteria related to active transportation. Plan implementation will be ongoing.
