Over 400 citizens took time recently to provide their thoughts on the future of active transportation in Kenton County through an online survey. The survey was part of the public engagement portion of Kenton Connects, a study to assess bicycle and pedestrian conditions, discover potential issues, and begin to define priorities for an update of Kenton County’s bicycle and pedestrian plan.

While staff is still working on a detailed analysis, preliminary results of the survey show safety, connectivity, access, and convenience as the major themes and important issues.

“Our advisory committee will examine each of the topics as the project enters its next phase,” said Chris Schneider, AICP, a principal planner at PDS and project manager for the study. “The results will help guide the next phases of the project and provide direction moving forward.”

The survey was promoted across multiple platforms including public service announcements on Spectrum cable television, social media outreach, distribution through local jurisdiction emails and newsletters, and providing paper copies and flyers at numerous locations across the community.

“We received great feedback from the community,” Schneider continued. “We know more now about people’s biking and walking habits… and a good picture of their safety concerns.”

Complete results from the survey will be available soon on the Kenton Connects website.

Research on crashes, bicycle counts, and sidewalk and bicycle facility connectivity are just some of the many topics that have been examined already throughout the county. Identifying and understanding Kenton County’s existing infrastructure and safety conditions will facilitate more informed decisions and recommendations when creating the plan.

The next phase of the project will begin setting benchmark goals based on existing conditions and survey information. These goals will be used to create measurables that can be reviewed in the future to evaluate success and help implement future policy and planning decisions.

To stay up to date on the bicycle and pedestrian plan, visit KentonConnects.org to learn more and to join the project email list. Email Chris Schneider or call him at 859.331.8980 with questions or for more information.

Kenton Connects, an update to Kenton County’s bicycle (1999) and pedestrian (2001) plans, is underway. Staff has begun its work with a public outreach effort to gather input for the upcoming study. The completed plan will include an analysis of existing bicycle and pedestrian issues and provide recommendations on how to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety in Kenton County.

The project’s website, KentonConnects.org, provides information about the study and offers options for input including an online survey and an opportunity to register to receive additional information and meeting notices about the plan. The survey is intended to help assess bicycle and pedestrian conditions in Kenton County as the study begins.

“We encourage everyone to visit the website and complete the survey,” said Chris Schneider, AICP, a PDS principal planner and project manager of the study. “The results of the survey will help guide the initial phases of the study.”

Current outreach efforts also include three bicycle and pedestrian public service announcements which have been airing on local cable television. PDS was awarded a Paula Nye Grant from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to create three bicycle and pedestrian public service announcements. These 30-second commercials focus on bicycle and pedestrian safety education and engage viewers in the Kenton Connects study.

“Bicycle and pedestrian modes of transportation have never been more popular,” says Schneider. “A big part of Kenton Connects will be helping people learn how to bike and walk safely.”

Kenton Connects will also establish benchmark goals which can be reviewed in future updates to the plan. One benchmark goal includes reviewing existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure and identifying gaps in the current network.

Another benchmark goal is to identify bicycle and pedestrian crash locations and work towards reducing those numbers each year. The existing conditions benchmark information will be reviewed for comparison in future years as bicycle and pedestrian issues become more prevalent.

Visit KentonConnects.org to learn more, get involved and to take the survey. Contact Chris Schneider to learn more.