Community helps shape future of walking, biking and safety in Lake Tahoe

Dozens of community members came to the South Lake Tahoe Library Tuesday night to see what is being planned as an update to the Lake Tahoe Region Bike and Pedestrian Plan and give their opinions.

Those attending were asked to look at the plans displayed on boards lining the room, and give their comments on a variety of issues from safety to connectivity.

People were actively participating, telling the project planners, Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization (TMPA) and TRPA, what they felt was most important on infrastructure and goals.

Buffered or protected bike lanes are what needs to be implemented the most according to the night's voters, followed closely by separated bike lanes, a wayfinding system and pedestrian safety islands. They also want more bike parking all around the lake.

The project goals getting the most attention were a South Lake Tahoe Greenway shared use trail, more connections, the creation of a north/south trail through South Lake Tahoe and compete cycling loops.

TMPO has begun a comprehensive update called "Linking Tahoe: Active Transportation Plan – Bicycles, Pedestrians, and Safe Routes to Schools.” They have held community meetings at South Tahoe Middle School, a repeat of tonight's meeting to be held on the North Shore as well as an on line survey.

They will take the results and create a packaged plan for communities around the lake, much as the area plans South Lake Tahoe is completing. Once the plan is presented then the community will know what people what, where they want it and how it should look.