Memphis MPO seeks residents' input on building new Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Greenprint Plan

What’s happening: The Memphis Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is looking to “propel” a new master plan for guiding the development of multi-modal transportation in the region. The Memphis MPO has launched a series of community outreach programs intended to incorporate the public’s input in shaping the plan.

What’s planned: The Memphis Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Greenprint Plan will serve as a strategic master plan for improving multi-modal transportation options and infrastructure in the greater Memphis area. The Memphis MPO points to similar-in-spirt plans for reference, including the Walk & Roll: Memphis Region Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan and the Mid-South Regional Greenprint and Sustainability Plan.

How it works: Local officials utilize master plans as a sort of road map in their policy decisions, providing a years-long guide for achieving that which is deemed important by the plan’s authors, a group that includes the general public by way of surveys, listening sessions, and more. The Memphis Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Greenprint Plan will improve non-motorized transportation options and infrastructure in the region “through improved coordination and a clearer comprehension of the steps necessary for the region to pursue sustainable, equitable, and multi-modal transportation investments,” as reads the official project website.

How to participate: Municipal planners rely on community input to ensure that such master plans are effective in meeting residents’ needs. Those Memphians wanting to participate can attend one of several community forums scheduled through the end of the month. Those include scheduled meetings at the Collierville Farmers Market from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 27; Agricenter Farmers Market from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 28; Memphis Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 29; and Hernando Farmers Market from 10 a.m. to noon on Sunday, June 30.

An online survey is also available, and will remain open through Friday, July 12. That survey is available through the Memphis Regional Pedestrian and Bicycle Greenprint Plan website, which also includes an interactive map for further input.