Asheville’s multimodal transportation efforts receive recognition

The City of Asheville’s multimodal transportation plan has been recognized by the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-NC). Asheville in Motion (AIM) received the organization’s 2016 North Carolina Marvin Collins Planning Award in the Large Community/Comprehensive Planning category.

 

According to APA-NC, members of the awards committee were impressed with the plan’s efforts to successfully integrate transportation and land uses in street planning, noting that all modes of transportation, including greenways, were analyzed.

 

“The AIM plan is intended to have a holistic approach, bringing sidewalks, bike lanes, greenways and public transportation to people where they need it and take them where they need to go,” said Mariate Echeverry, City of Asheville Transportation Planning Manager. “By doing so, it helps improve our community’s quality of life and health, and increases access to jobs.”
“We are grateful for the recognition of this plan that so many people contributed to, including the many members of our community who attended forums or participated in surveys and shared their visions and concerns,” said Echeverry.

 

Starting in August 2014, the City began researching best practices and gathering public input with a goal of creating an effective and progressive plan that encourages health-oriented and sustainable transportation that connects residents and visitors with the places they want and need to go with improved safety, efficiency and accessibility. The AIM plan establishes the framework to improve the transportation network through a cohesive strategy that includes bicycle, pedestrians, greenways and public transportation. The plan also identifies transformative projects that, together, create an interconnected network that provides access to jobs, education and recreation and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, the AIM Plan supports City Council’s vision to be a well-planned and livable community with the ultimate goal of removing barriers to transportation and accessibility.

 

You can read the AIM plan here. Find more information on the City of Asheville’s Transportation Department can be found at ashevillenc.gov/Transportation.