In an effort to improve alternative modes of transportation in the community, the Turlock City Council approved an agreement last week for the preparation of a project that will develop a bicycle and pedestrian master plan for the city.
California State University, Stanislaus students began discussion with the city last summer on the issues facing Turlock bikers.
The agreement amounts to $136,975 that will be used toward the design and execution of the active transportation plan.
Students involved in the CSU Stanislaus Bike Advocacy Club attended the Turlock City Council meeting in support.
“I am very excited for the advancement in the bike master plan and all the bike advocacy around the area,” said Anthony Fagundes, Vice President of the CSU Stanislaus Bike Advocacy Club.
“Even though this is my last semester at the school, I look forward to coming back here and seeing what advances have been made.”
The members of the club began their efforts in Spring 2013 as an assignment in Geography 4930 – Planning Issues.
The class conducted a bike survey on campus asking students why they do not ride bicycles. These results were presented to the Turlock City Council over the past summer.
The CSU Stanislaus Bike Advocacy Club was chartered last year in an effort to continue promoting cycling on campus after the class ended.
The goal of the club is to make travel to and from campus via bicycle more direct and safer for students.
Along with community members and the CSU Stanislaus students in attendance at the Turlock City Council meeting, an even younger generation voiced concern regarding transportation in Turlock.
Nine-year-old Logan Ladd addressed his experiences biking around town.
“Sometimes when I ride my bike places it’s a little scary because sometimes I see cars just pull into the bike lane, […] and sometimes it is scary because there are no bike lanes.
“And I am concerned for all the other people that ride their bikes in Turlock,” Ladd said.
For more information on the CSU Stanislaus Bike Advocacy Club, check out the club Facebook page at facebook.com/csustanbac.