Deadline Looms for Cyclists, Pedestrians to Voice Opinions

Rock Hill residents looking to have a hand in redesigning their town only have a few days left to get in on the ground floor.

Rock Hill has been working with Trailnet on a plan to make the city more bike and pedestrian friendly since September. One component of that plan has been a survey, which ends Friday. The survey allows Rock Hill residents to voice their desires about the redesign.

“One of the major public engagement components of the plan is the online survey," said Kevin Neill, Bike Walk Planner with Trailnet. "Since the project began in September, we’ve had over 70 people complete the online survey and share with us their thoughts and ideas for improving conditions for cyclists and pedestrians.” 

Rock Hill is crisscrossed with major roads, which impacts the ability of residents to navigate the town safely and comfortably. For example, many children have to cross Manchester Road in order to go to school or parks.

The Rock Hill plan aims to "create a safe, connected and convenient network of trails, on-street bike facilities, sidewalks, paths, and street crossings,” according to Trailnet's website. In addition to making the community more safe and active, the plan aims to make the downtown business district more distinctive and attractive, as well as a more desirable place to do business.

In November, Trailnet held a public meeting at Steeger Sixth Grade Center, where participants from the community were invited to redraw the map of Rock Hill with their ideas for new trails, signaling devices and the like.

Rock Hill received a $40,000 federal grant last year to finance planning, and Trailnet is researching avenues that will allow Rock Hill to pay for overall project costs.

Trailnet plans to hold another Public Workshop in the spring, according to Neill. A date for the meeting has not yet been set.

Residents who want to get on Trailnet’s e-mail list, which will allow them to receive updates, as well as the dates for upcoming events, should contact Kevin Neill at kevinneill@trailnet.org. The survey can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/s/Rock_Hill_Bike_Walk_Survey.