Slow Down Campaign and Bike and Walk Week Proclaimed

Wausau MPO

When elected municipal leaders from the 14 communities that comprise the Marathon County Metropolitan Planning Commission (Wausau MPO) jointly sign a proclamation April 21, they will set in motion a transportation culture change in the Wausau metropolitan area that will result in motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians working together to improve public safety and develop alternative methods of personal transportation. 

A proclamation signing ceremony to launch a Slow Down Campaign and Bike and Walk Week events will take place Tuesday, April 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Room 3, 212 River Drive immediately following the MPO meeting. 

During the past 18 months, the seeds of change were sewn when elected officials, municipal employees and over 50 volunteers worked to create a metro area bicycle and pedestrian plan.  The plan applies to the Wausau MPO cities of Mosinee, Schofield, Wausau; villages of Kronenwetter, Rothschild, Weston; and the towns of Bergen, Maine, Mosinee, Rib Mountain, Stettin, Texas, Wausau, Weston. 

Additionally, the statewide Safe Communities coalition and local American Family Insurance agents have organized a “Slow Down Campaign” to make streets safer in 31 Wisconsin counties, including Wausau MPO communities.  The slow down effort is aimed at reducing chronic speeding and slowing motorists operating at unsafe speeds through neighborhoods in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.  The campaign coincides with the end of the school year when young pedestrians and bicyclists and their families are on the sidewalks and streets. 

When signed, the proclamation will launch a celebration of the newly created Wausau MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan that the officials unanimously adopted January 13.  Their action will set in motion the development over the next 20 years of on-street and off-street resources that will support alternative transportation methods in their communities. 

The Bike Ped Committee, as it is known, has organized Bike and Walk Week May 9-16 to raise public awareness, encourage public safety and promote the healthy and sustainable alternatives to motor vehicles that bicycles and walking provide.  The committee has joined with the Slow Down Campaign to expand public awareness and increase public safety. 

Bike Ped Committee members represent walking, running and biking clubs; wellness, health and education organizations; trail development groups; the Convention and Visitors Bureau, businesses, law enforcement and government agencies at local, county and state levels.

For the complete press release click here.