Citizens to Help Plan Trails, Pathways

PHOENIX (March 15, 1999) — What if the next time you wanted to go to your favorite spot in your community you could walk or bike there along a pleasant paved path, instead of hopping in your car? Better yet, what if you helped plan that pathway?

Citizens interested in trails, open space and increased opportunities for bicycling and walking in their communities are urged to attend a Regional Trails Forum sponsored by the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG). The forum will be held March 21, 2000, from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the MAG offices, 302 N. 1st Avenue, Suite 200, Phoenix.

MAG is currently developing the Regional Off-Street System (ROSS) Plan. The plan will help provide a way for people to travel to local destinations by walking or bicycling. These paved pathways and unpaved trails would be located in areas such as canal banks, linear parkways and flood control channels throughout Maricopa County. The Regional Trails Forum gives citizens an opportunity to help shape the pathway plan and to meet others interested in trails and open space.

"The goal of the ROSS plan is to make bicycling and walking viable options for daily travel trips," said MAG Transportation Planner Dawn Coomer. "The ultimate goal is to improve air quality and relieve traffic congestion, while at the same time giving people a way to enjoy their neighborhoods and communities," she said.

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) is a regional organization that develops policies and makes decisions in areas such as transportation, air quality, water quality, solid waste and human services. MAG is made up of Valley communities working together to ensure a better quality of life for nearly three million residents in the Maricopa region. The region encompasses metropolitan Phoenix and includes the many cities, towns and Indian communities within Maricopa County. MAG is governed by a Regional Council that includes 24 city mayors and other lead elected officials, and is the forum for ensuring an effective allocation of regional resources.

Information on the ROSS plan is available on the Web at www.mag.maricopa.gov. Click on "Technical Committees" and look for the Regional Bicycle Task Force page. For more information about the Regional Trails Forum or to arrange coverage, please contact Kelly Taft at (602) 452-5020.