Latest in a series of posts on Walkability and Bikeability
Doug Roysdon is a member of the Bethlehem Pedestrian-Biking Bridge Committee.
Reprinted from December 11, 2019.
Nice day yesterday, nice day today. As you are out exercising, think of the value of a pedestrian/bike bridge to our community.
A proposal to fund a feasibility study for just such a pedestrian/bridge will be voted on at City Council Tuesday night.
Gadfly encourages you to back the study by emailing Council now (Clerks@bethlehem-pa.gov) and/or by calling in to the meeting during public comment (instructions will be posted here Monday afternoon).
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A Note on the Pedestrian/Biking Bridge
Like Festival Unbound, the pedestrian/biking bridge project is focused on a unified vision of the future city. At its core is the concept of a wholly contemporary “walking city” serving the needs of a pedestrian and biking population. In a series of public meetings on the bridge, a seemingly unending flow of connections associated with the bridge were advanced by Bethlehem citizens. Among them are:
Reconnection of the city to its river for environmental and recreational purposes
The creation of a pedestrian cultural hub between Sand Island and the Banana Factory
Joining Historic Bethlehem and the Industrial History Museum — an advanced walking tour of Bethlehem History
Expansion of running and walking marathons, charitable events and city promotions
Social and communal links between Lehigh University and Moravian College
Connecting downtown businesses to South Side attractions
Creating a new, more physical dimension to Bethlehem tourism
Opening new real estate markets for people dedicated to inner city life
Creating a safe, environmental corridor from Illick’s Mill to the Greenway for walkers and bikers
Providing a superior walking experience in support of senior living in Bethlehem
Linking downtown festivals to both sides of the river
Creating an exciting new platform for night life in Bethlehem
Promoting the integration of Bethlehem’s diverse cultures
Producing a vital link in the rail trail network of Eastern Pennsylvania
Opening of the river banks to cultural and commercial activity
And more…….
Would a pedestrian/biking bridge make all these good things magically happen? No…..
A pedestrian/biking bridge would make them possible. The possible is a big deal.
Doug
