Ashland, Mo. looks toward more Livable Streets

Recently the Missouri Livable Streets team visited Ashland, Mo., as local community members discussed ways to increase opportunities for healthy living.

Southern Boone Learning Garden Director Jennifer Grabner and Missouri Livable Streets partner Robert Johnson from PedNet were both featured in a radio story from KBIA. Discussing Ashland's shift toward expanding sidewalks and walkways, Grabner shared her awareness that more community members have been taking to the streets to walk and bicycle over the last few years. Ashland's police chief also noted that a Livable Streets approach is critical for ensuring public safety as more people  increase their physical activity and navigate local streets and pathways that may not be adequately connected. (Listen to the entire story)

We are excited to partner with Ashland and look forward to increasing safe ways to walk and bicycle  in the future!

On The Road to Livable: Missouri Livable Streets partners with 7 new communities

Missouri Livable Streets is excited to announce partnerships with seven Missouri communities to train and support stakeholders in the planning, design, and advocacy for safer, more accessible transportation systems. The new partnerships include leaders and their organizations from:

·      Ashland

·      Bowling Green

·      Chillicothe

·      McDonald County

·      Perry

·      Potosi

·      Windsor

Each new partner is eligible to receive a tailored training package designed to raise awareness and build support for Livable Streets in its community. Trainings include technical assistance and educational outreach for community members, traffic and law enforcement professionals, as well as civic leaders. Each of the seven partners can opt for the assistance that best fits the needs of its community. The Missouri Livable Streets partnership team, including members of PedNet, University of Missouri School of Journalism and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, will provide the services.

“Local communities know what works well in their towns and these trainings are tailored to their needs and futures,” said Robert Johnson, PedNet director of consulting. “We are energized to be able to work with such a diverse and interested group.”

All around the country, communities are making the move to livable with transportation plans and designs that encourage and provide safe, accessible transportation for all users and modes of travel. In 2013 alone, more than 80 communities adopted Livable or Complete Streets policies, according to Smart Growth America.

Missouri is no exception. Since 2004, a list has grown of communities working to improve their safety, health and economic vitality through transportation policy considerations. To date, Missouri boasts 23 policies and ordinances, and as a result communities are seeing physical improvements to their community, more biking and walking, and great economic development.

Stay tuned to the MO LS blog and livablestreets.missouri.edu for updates on these and other Missouri communities on the road to getting livable.