This philosophy could be coming to a town near you
MARQUETTE -- A forum Thursday morning focused on how to bring what's known as "complete streets" to Marquette and the entire Upper Peninsula.
"We want everyone to walk today with a knowledge of what complete streets is, what the benefits of it are, how to implement it locally," said Holly Madill, Complete Streets Project Coordinator of the Michigan Department of Community Health.
So what exactly is complete streets?
"Complete streets is a policy, so it's kind of a way of life, of thinking about our roadways in a different way then we have,” Madill said. “And making sure that not just for vehicles, but they're for pedestrians and bicyclists and transit users."
Those who promote complete streets say there are a variety of benefits, mainly pertaining to health. They're hoping to get the number of people who ride their bikes or walk in Marquette up from 3-5 percent to 20 percent.
"In Marquette County right now, because we really haven't had an emphasis on pedestrian or bike travel, a very low percentage of residents ride or walk," said George Sedlacek, Community Health Division Director of the Marquette County Health Department.
Currently, local government is looking over the policies.
"Right now, Marquette Township, they're reviewing a complete streets ordinance,” Sedlacek said.
The Marquette County Health Department hopes the ordinance will be passed by January.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC