Representatives from the Discover Plymouth organization presented information to the Plymouth City Council on Monday night on their progress on plans in making the city a safer place to walk and bike.
According to Allie Shook, the group plans to improve existing crosswalks or install crosswalks, connect fitness facilities with sidewalks, and construct bike racks, benches and bumpouts. Shook says the purpose of a bumpout is to increase pedestrian safety.
“It’s just a curb extension,” said Shook. “It doesn’t take up any parking places. What it does it connects your last parking place on Michigan to your first parking place on a side street. So, you’re just taking up extra pavement. As a pedestrian, you can stand that much closer to the other side of the street so you’re only crossing north and southbound lanes rather than having people turn right into you while you’re crossing the street and waiting for the walk sign.”
Sandy Read from Purdue Marshall County, a major partner of the Discover Plymouth organization, commented that the bumpouts also cause traffic to slow down in those areas which makes it safer for pedestrians to cross.
Another aspect of Discover Plymouth is art. Shook says there are plans in the making, and with council approval, to take an alleyway between Center and Michigan Streets and from Michigan and Water Streets and beautify them with art. The organization has gotten approval from a couple of businesses in the area to paint the exterior walls to make them more appealing.
For more information about Discover Plymouth or to become a part of the program, visit their Facebook page or email Allie Shook allison.shook26@gmail.com.
