 For release: Jan. 29, 2014
Contacts:
Alene Tchourumoff, Public Works: 612-348-0624
Kayla Bromelkamp, Public Affairs: 612-348-8536
News release
Hennepin County is renewing its commitment to invest in bicycling and pedestrian infrastructure improvements along county roads. The county is currently working in partnership with Three Rivers Park District and consultants to revise its county-wide bicycle plan. The plan also has a newly revised pedestrian plan that has already been adopted by the county board. Both of these plans are part of the overall transportation systems plans for the county and provide guidance for improving access to biking and walking in Hennepin County.
The county has also recently hired a new bicycle and pedestrian coordinator to address these specific issue in communities throughout the county.
The new coordinator, Kelley Yemen, joins Hennepin County from New York City Department of Transportation. She has experience in both the private and non-profit sector working on transportation planning for bicycle and pedestrian projects. She will start working at the county on February 10.
"Ms. Yemen will help implement Hennepin County's complete streets priorities by focusing on bicycle and pedestrian issues and she will be a crucial liaison to our partner communities," said Commissioner Peter McLaughlin. "We look forward to adding her skills and experience to our community works and transportation teams."
Yemen will have a key role, along with other transportation experts at the county, in continuing to develop the bike plan. Once the new bike plan is finalized and adopted by the board, Yemen will work with other transportation experts at the county to implement the action items in both the bicycle and pedestrian plans.
The new coordinator will also work with the bicycle advisory committee to assist the board of commissioners and county staff with ideas on how to incorporate bicycle accommodations into roadway and transit projects. Hennepin County roads have more than 550 miles of bike lanes or trails. On average five to ten miles are added each year.
The county has made significant investments on infrastructure for bicycling. More than $3.8 million has been spent on special programs aimed a improving and expanding the county's bicycle system.
For more information on the bike plan, pedestrian plan, or the Bicycle Advisory Committee, please visit www.hennepin.us/residents/transportation/bike-walk.
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Look for more news on the Hennepin County website at www.hennepin.us/news.
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