TRPA releases draft Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, public participation encouraged
Submitted by paula on Tue, 02/27/2024 - 7:38pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is encouraging public review and feedback on key transportation plans that are meant to improve Lake Tahoe’s bicycle and pedestrian system and to encourage public involvement in transportation improvements. The Active Transportation Plan focuses on connecting all methods of travel that do not rely entirely on a car, like walking, biking, and rolling.
Transportation impacts are the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions globally and a major source of nitrogen pollutants at Lake Tahoe. Excess nitrogen feeds the growth of algae and harms the lake’s famed clarity. Reducing vehicle use and improving safety in the Tahoe Basin is a top priority for TRPA, communities, and partner agencies, according to the agency.
“We are seeing the severity of climate change playing out in real-time at Lake Tahoe and in ways that not only impact the lake, but people’s lives and the safety of our communities,” TRPA Executive Director Julie Regan said. “We must double down on regional strategies to reduce vehicle use and make it safer to get around without a car.”
Roadway data has shown that the difference between a 65-degree day in the Sacramento area and a 100-degree day is a doubling of traffic on U.S. Hwy 50 over Echo Summit. Many active transportation projects have already been completed in the Lake Tahoe Region, including 198 miles of bike and pedestrian path improvements.
TRPA encourages the public to review the draft 2024 Active Transportation Plan at www.trpa.gov/atp. Submit comments by 12 p.m. on March 15 to Ryan Murray at rmurray@trpa.gov, or (775) 589-5244. The final plan is scheduled to be presented to the TRPA Governing Board for potential adoption at its March 27 meeting.
TRPA has also released its draft Public Participation Plan for public comment. The agency places a high value on public participation in planning and decisions. Specifically in transportation planning, the draft Public Participation Plan outlines key decision points to consult with affected communities, partner agencies, and Tribal governments. Submit comments by April 5 to Kira Richardson at krichardson@trpa.gov, or (775) 589-5236. Staff is scheduled to present the final plan to the TRPA Governing Board for potential adoption at its April 24 meeting.
The agency has recently advanced a number of transportation strategies that integrate into the larger Regional Transportation Plan update that begins this year:
- Tahoe Regional Trails Strategy
- Sustainable funding initiative