Pedestrian Advisory Committee Principles, Responsibilities and Priorities
Mission
To advise the Mayor and City Council on policies, programs, and actions for improving pedestrian safety, mobility, accessibility, and comfort; for promoting walking for transportation, recreation, and health purposes; and for strengthening the linkage between the pedestrian environment and public transportation.
Guiding Principles
The City of Minneapolis places a high value on creating and enhancing pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods because it makes our community a safer and better place to live, work and enjoy life. It’s easy to see how building a pedestrian-friendly Minneapolis contributes to all our city goals.
- Streets and neighborhoods feel safer and are safer, and Minneapolis is a more vibrant and bustling city, when there are people outside using the sidewalks and pedestrian paths.
- Walking and walkable environments support the local economy. Vibrant public spaces are attractive to both employers and employees when choosing where to locate, and pedestrians support local businesses while en-route to other destinations.
- Walking is a great way to maintain physical fitness, it’s good for your mental health, and it’s good for your pocketbook since walking is free.
- Walking is good for the environment since it’s a form of transportation that doesn’t pollute or use fossil fuels.
- Walking is an essential mode of travel and serves everyone who lives, works, plays in and visits Minneapolis. Everyone walks, whether young or old, whether on foot or using a mobility device, whether as a walking trip alone or in conjunction with driving, taking transit or bicycling.
- Walking is enjoyable. A good walking environment provides interesting places and opportunities for informal social interaction, making the journey as important as the destination.
Committee Responsibilities
Expertise
- Serve as the City’s primary resource for expertise on pedestrian issues.
- Actively build the committee’s collective knowledge of the barriers to walking and best practices for creating a great walking city, using outside expertise and community input.
Policy & Implementation
- Guide the development and implementation of a pedestrian master plan.
- Recommend funding and capital improvement opportunities and priorities.
- Recommend programs and policies affecting the implementation of pedestrian improvements.
Promotion, Education and Enforcement
- Guide the promotion of walking for transportation, recreation, and health purposes.
- Advise the City on pedestrian safety and accessibility through education and enforcement of traffic laws and other ordinances.
Coordination and Public Involvement
- Facilitate cooperation and communication among various agencies, City departments, organizations and neighborhoods regarding pedestrian issues.
- Encourage and use public and business participation in identifying pedestrian needs, opportunities and priorities.
Last updated Sep. 27, 2011