City of Westland Seeks Steering Committee Members for Walk and Roll Westland

Westland - The City of Westland is working to develop a Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan. The plan, titled, Walk and Roll Westland, will identify how to better connect residents with areas of high demand, including areas of commercial activity and the City's recreational amenities.

To assist with the Walk and Roll Westland plan, the City of Westland has engaged OHM Advisors who will facilitate the planning process and plan creation. In November of 2020, the City of Westland was awarded a Planning Assistance Grant from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) in the amount of $32,740. The total cost of the project will total $40,000 with the remaining $7,260 being paid for by Westland's general fund.

Over the past few years, the City of Westland has started to build awareness around bicycling and pedestrian safety and has start implementing more bicycling facilities. However, a more defined framework plan is needed to guide Westland in project implementation. The City would like to develop a Bike Network Vision Plan that identifies the routes most needed in the community. The Plan will focus on identifying corridors to better connect the City via non-motorized routes. The overall goal is to identify and implement routes that connect to both Hines Drive and the park system along the Rouge River, as well as the Lower Rouge trail and park system in the City of Wayne. Safe, comfortable, and convenient non-motorized facilities will help connect residents to schools, parks, jobs, recreation opportunities, and other amenities in Westland.

As a part of the planning process and to promote community engagement, the City will establish a steering committee which will help to brainstorm ideas, gather input, review data and identify priority routes.

"This plan will represent the most detailed non-motorized planning efforts yet by the City," commented Mayor William R. Wild. "The steering committee will play an essential role in creating the plan which builds on previous non-motorized planning efforts conducted as a part of the city's 2017 Master Plan."

Steering Committee members will be asked to join representatives from the administration, key community stakeholders, as well as appointed and elected officials in attending four meetings throughout this year.

If you are interested in serving on the Walk and Roll Westland Steering Committee or would like more information, please contact Nicole Jones in the Planning Department at (734)467-9342.