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| Oxford has two Pathways projects under construction, Sisk Avenue and Bike Paths Phase Two; students, Pierce West (top right) and Taylor Nelson (bottom right) take advantage of current bike paths on campus |
The
city of Oxford currently has two Pathways projects under construction, Sisk
Avenue and Bike Paths Phase Two. The $2.4 million Phase Two project will
expand the $1.1 million Phase One project completed in the fall of 2007.
“There are many student housing complexes that are accessible to campus by bike. Several new developments have advertised their convenience to the trails,” said Mike Mossing, Pathways Commission member.
“There are many student housing complexes that are accessible to campus by bike. Several new developments have advertised their convenience to the trails,” said Mike Mossing, Pathways Commission member.
The
initial goal of the Pathways projects is to promote bicycling and walking for
fitness, transportation and recreation.
The construction and design of safe roadways provide more opportunities
for community involvement. Also, a bike map has been developed and is accessible
on-line and at City Hall.
The concept of expanding bike paths has a deeper meaning. There is a national organization that encourages towns, cities, states and the federal government to develop transportation infrastructure for all modes of transportation
“Oxford has actually moved beyond the idea of pathways (maybe we should change the name of the commission) to a concept called Complete Streets. The Board of alderman passed an ordinance in 2011 to make sure that all new streets and all repairs will be done with pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders in mind,” Mossing said.
While most students drive their vehicles, their are some who put the bike paths to use by riding their bikes, skate boards, or wheel chairs.
"Well, it's been improving over the years and I'm glad that they're expanding the bike paths because they benefit skaters like me," said Pierce West, an Ole Miss student.
Some of the current bike paths are benefiting Ole Miss students who ride their bikes to work.
"I'm loving the fact that their expanding the bike paths because I ride my bike from school to work every other day; safe bike paths are important," said Taylor Nelson, a history major at Ole Miss.
“The Mixed Use Paths (like the Oxford Depot Rail Trail) are designed for use by everyone, babies in strollers, kids with roller skates, lots of people walking dogs. The paths will be as safe as the people that use them. We like to remind everyone that may consider passing someone on the trail that they are responsible for the safety of whoever they are passing, just as vehicles on the road have the responsibility to wait patiently until it is safe to pass,” Mossing said.
This project has not only provided students with safe bike paths but has also created summer jobs for high school students. Right now a MDOT-funded summer jobs program is employing 20 high school students planting bushes along the depot trail.
"All of the pathways should look more pleasant after the work is completed and allow safe transportation and exercise in a pleasant environment to and from residences, school, work, shopping and recreation," said Scott Rone, Pathways Commission member.
The concept of expanding bike paths has a deeper meaning. There is a national organization that encourages towns, cities, states and the federal government to develop transportation infrastructure for all modes of transportation
“Oxford has actually moved beyond the idea of pathways (maybe we should change the name of the commission) to a concept called Complete Streets. The Board of alderman passed an ordinance in 2011 to make sure that all new streets and all repairs will be done with pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders in mind,” Mossing said.
While most students drive their vehicles, their are some who put the bike paths to use by riding their bikes, skate boards, or wheel chairs.
"Well, it's been improving over the years and I'm glad that they're expanding the bike paths because they benefit skaters like me," said Pierce West, an Ole Miss student.
Some of the current bike paths are benefiting Ole Miss students who ride their bikes to work.
"I'm loving the fact that their expanding the bike paths because I ride my bike from school to work every other day; safe bike paths are important," said Taylor Nelson, a history major at Ole Miss.
“The Mixed Use Paths (like the Oxford Depot Rail Trail) are designed for use by everyone, babies in strollers, kids with roller skates, lots of people walking dogs. The paths will be as safe as the people that use them. We like to remind everyone that may consider passing someone on the trail that they are responsible for the safety of whoever they are passing, just as vehicles on the road have the responsibility to wait patiently until it is safe to pass,” Mossing said.
This project has not only provided students with safe bike paths but has also created summer jobs for high school students. Right now a MDOT-funded summer jobs program is employing 20 high school students planting bushes along the depot trail.
"All of the pathways should look more pleasant after the work is completed and allow safe transportation and exercise in a pleasant environment to and from residences, school, work, shopping and recreation," said Scott Rone, Pathways Commission member.
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