LANCASTER – The City of Lancaster is inviting the public to review the Draft Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways, which is now available on the City’s website. Click here to download the 559-page draft.
The Master Plan is a comprehensive plan that will guide the design and development of pedestrian, bicycle and trail facilities which will encourage people to use healthy transportation modes in Lancaster, say City officials.
“City staff has conducted multiple workshops and events to gather citizens’ input concerning our trails and bikeways,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We encourage residents to continue to become involved in this process by reviewing the draft of the Master Plan and attending the Architectural and Design Commission meetings to provide their valuable feedback as we finalize this plan.”
The overall intent of the Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways is to guide the planning and design of pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian facilities in a comprehensive manner throughout Lancaster. The City’s vision is to create a connected network of on-road and off-road trails and bikeway facilities to accommodate users of all ages and abilities, including equestrians. When implemented, this network will provide linkages between residential areas, commercial centers, transportation hubs, employment centers, and recreational activities. The long-term goal of the Master Plan is to guide the development of a pleasant, safe, and convenient non-motorized transportation network that can be used by everyone in Lancaster.
In June 2010, the City of Lancaster received a $240,000 grant from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s Renewing Environments for Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness program. Lancaster was one of nine cities in the County to receive this grant funding.
The Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways is a collaborative effort with a variety of community interests, from transportation, public health, law enforcement, people with disabilities, schools, public and community-based bicycling, walking, equestrian groups and the general public. The Master Plan directly responds to citizen input obtained during the Master Plan process, the General Plan, and other City plans.
The Architectural and Design Commission is scheduled to begin a review of the Draft Master Plan of Trails and Bikeways at 5 p.m., Thursday, November 3, 2011, in the Council Chambers.
Residents are invited to attend the meeting to voice their opinions regarding the Master Plan. The Master Plan is being circulated for a 30-day review period, starting on October 31, 2011 and closing on November 30, 2011.
Send all comments regarding the Master Plan to Elma Watson, City of Lancaster, Planning Department, 44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534. Comments can also be submitted via email at ewatson@cityoflancasterca.org or fax at (661) 723-5926.
The video below, entitled “Walkability” was created by the City of Lancaster to describe the City’s vision in developing the Master Plan of Trails & Bikeways.