KALAMAZOO (WKZO-AM/FM) — The Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study is taking public comment on its long-range plan to set up a system of commuter routes for bicyclists to get around the area safely.
It’s an ambitious plan that extends from several communities in eastern Van Buren County, all the way to Richland and Augusta to the east, with the Kalamazoo-Portage metropolitan area as its hub. The idea is to channel the bicycle traffic to roads where there are features like bike lanes and signs that are built into road systems to accommodate non-motorized vehicles.
Kalamazoo Township Supervisor Ron Reid said the first signs could go up on existing routes this fall. Other routes still need to be planned and funded.
The township board was scheduled to approve a resolution endorsing the plan, and a specific map Monday evening, but questions were raised whether or not it was the final map and might yet be subject to changes. They will revisit the resolution at their next meeting.
KATS held a second public open house Monday and plans a third this summer. You can get a look at the proposals and leave a comment at their website.
