Ordinance would ensure bike and pedestrian accommodations
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
An ordinance formalizing Whitewater’s commitment to bicyclists and pedestrians on city streets could soon be presented to elected officials for consideration.
Matt Amundson, parks and recreation director, came before the Common Council on Oct. 21 and discussed a proposed ordinance known as complete streets. If enacted, the document would outline what policies the city would take in the future to accommodate bicyclists and pedestrians.
From his standpoint, Amundson said, a policy concerning street accommodations to bicyclists and pedestrians is “an important part in community growth and development.”
Council member Ken Kidd, who was among the task force members involved in creating last year’s comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian master plan, said adoption of the ordinance would be a logical next step.
“This also dovetails with what the (University of Wisconsin-Whitewater) is trying to do,” Kidd said.
Kidd further noted enacting the ordinance would help ensure the city’s streets complement state highways, which have progressively made accommodations to users of the roadway outside of motorists.
In recent years, Amundson said, many components of the proposed ordinance have already been put in place. He pointed to this year’s extensive East Gateway project as an example.
The question of future cost implications came into discussion as city officials recently debated the merits of the ordinance.
“The ordinance would not impact the budget,” Amundson said. “However, there would be a potential impact to future street construction and reconstruction projects.”
Council member Sarah Bregant said she would be a staunch proponent of the ordinance.
“I think it just makes sense, when you look at it from a number of perspectives,” she said. “I’d be excited to see this go forward.”
But council member Stephanie Abbott had a number of reservations and said she could not support such an ordinance.
“This is a major investment, and it’s a huge shift in policy,” she said.
