Recommendations to the Fort Collins Natural Resource Board

Thank you for your time and efforts as volunteers on this board. I admire your commitment and dedication.

Thanks, also, to the staff in the Natural Resources Department for all their work and foresight in doing what they do to preserve open space and natural areas for us.

As a consumer I’m finding the bureaucracy a maze and not very responsive when I have an issue or question about bicycle or pedestrian issues, policies or problems in Fort Collins. So I’d like to ask you two questions and then make a recommendation.

First the questions:

How do you gather input from the bicycling and walking public for natural resource programs and policies?

And, whom should I call when I have a question about these issues?

Recommendation:

You are probably aware that the City has frozen the Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator’s position at Smart Trips.

You also know that the City is currently going through a complete budget review process that may result in major shifts in priorities for how funds are spent.

I’d like to ask that this Board and the Natural Resources Department raise their voices in support of a new and improved Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator’s position.

That position should NOT be in Smart Trips but rather in Transportation Planning and it should be linked to Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, Air Quality, Public Safety (for enforcement issues), the Senior Center, Smart Trips, and last but not least, the new EVSAG – the Economic Vitality and Sustainability Advisory Group.

As the name suggests, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator should both advise and coordinate the City departments that have an interest in bicycle and pedestrian issues. And each of these departments should step forward and offer to help pay for this position.. The Coordinator should also perform a significant outreach function to educate and inform the public about the benefits of bicycling and walking. Finally, the Coordinator should have a citizens’ task force to help it prioritize responsibilities as this new position begins.

I’d like you to pass this advice on up the line this evening if you would.

I’d be glad to help.

Thank you.