Smithton, Scottdale surveyed for non-motorized transportation plan
Online surveys will allow residents of Smithton and Scottdale to provide input for potential improvements to support walking, bicycling and other non-motorized modes of transportation in the communities.
The surveys, available through June 30 at smithtonboro.us and scottdaleborough.com, will be used in developing an Active Transportation Plan and a Complete Streets Policy for the boroughs.
Active transportation refers to any mode that is self-propelled or non-motorized, such as kayaking or riding a horse. The streets policy will look at ways to increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, people with disabilities and those who use public transportation.
Survey questions touch on ways people normally travel to work or school and what changes they would like to see — such as sidewalk improvements or development of separate bike lanes — to make walking and biking safer, easier and more accessible.
The survey also will gauge local use of the Great Allegheny Passage trail and interest in improving connections between the trail and the towns.
Smithton has a trail head along the Great Allegheny Passage, but the path from the trail head to town includes a bridge on Route 981 and an active rail line, with no sidewalks.
Jacobs Creek serves as a waterway connector between Scottdale and the Youghiogheny River, upstream from Smithton.
Borough residents of all ages, members of community organizations and other interested parties are encouraged to take the survey.
An interactive map also is posted on the borough websites to provide location-specific input.
The nonprofit Smart Growth Partnership of Westmoreland County is coordinating development of the plan. Representatives from both boroughs also are involved.
The plan is being funded with a $25,000 grant from the WalkWorks program, a collaboration between the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.
Once completed, the plan will be a resource the communities can use in seeking additional funds to implement proposed improvements.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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