The La DOTD is currently developing a statewide bicycle and pedestrian master plan, which they hope to publish some time next year. Given the ever-increasing price of oil, this is a smart and timely initiative. Creating walkable and bikeable communities is a hallmark of smart growth best practices, and it’s encouraging to see the State take a such a proactive role on this issue.
Although this is a statewide “plan,” it has the potential of affecting our state on a very local level. Consider that many (if not most) of Alexandria’s main streets (arterials) are State roads. Any responsible and truly statewide plan should consider the most effective ways of providing for safe routes within every major City in the State.
They explain the necessity of the plan (bold mine):
The La DOTD has jurisdiction over 16,700 miles of roads in the state of Louisiana. Additionally, many parishes, cities and towns throughout the state look to La DOTD for guidance and standards for roadway design. Although bicyclists and pedestrians are allowed on almost all roadways across the state (with the exception of interstates and other control of access facilities), the lack of appropriate accommodations for these groups results in conflicts between motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The goal of this plan is to develop official policies to guide La DOTD’s investments in bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.
Safety and accessibility concerns for all users of the transportation system has prompted the La DOTD to update their 1998 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.
They’re holding their first set of community planning meetings in less than two weeks.
New Orleans
July 22nd
6 to 7:30PM
The Casino Building at City ParkShreveport
July 23rd
5-6:30PM
Broadmoor Library
1212 Captain Shreve DriveBaton Rouge
July 24th
6-7:30PM
Bluebonnet Library
9200 Bluebonnet Boulevard
CenLamar 
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