LETTER: Santa Rosa County needs more sidewalks for walking and biking

Dear editor, 

If our elected officials truly want to improve our transportation infrastructure, it is vital that they include walking and biking trail systems in their proposals. Everyone knows that Americans need to be more active to achieve a healthier lifestyle, but not having safe pathways keeps us from riding or traveling on foot to nearby destinations.

In Pace, there has been so much new development going on, but without the inclusion of sidewalks to make walking between shopping areas and subdivisions a viable option. Increased motor vehicle traffic is already causing problems that need to be addressed. Proposals that include pedestrian and biking options alongside highly traveled routes can give us alternative mobility choices. I believe that the sidewalk around Spencer Field is a shining example. A balanced transportation system with walking and biking trails may cost more initially, but can ultimately repay us in many ways. For these reasons, I ask Congressman Matt Gaetz to work to include funding for connected walking and biking networks.

SUSAN WAGGLE

Pace

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This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: LETTER: Santa Rosa County needs more sidewalks for walking and biking