PedNet plans meetings on safe school routes

COLUMBIA — PedNet’s Safe Routes to School program will hold two community meetings this month to discuss safe routes to a pair of elementary schools.

The meetings will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. March 16 at Shepard Elementary School and on March 18 at Grant Elementary School. 

“We’re going to look at a lot of issues that surround how kids get to school,” PedNet Coalition Executive Director Ian Thomas said.

The meetings, which will include dinner, are intended to foster discussion of issues including traffic congestion, safety concerns and the health benefits of children walking or biking to school.

Walking communities consultant Mark Fenton will lead three-hour discussions for stakeholders at each school. Stakeholders include families, students, staff, residents, business owners, school officials, school board members and representatives of the city Planning and Development Department.

Ideas generated at the meetings will be compiled and shared at briefings at each school the following night.

The meetings are free but those who plan to attend are encouraged to RSVP by e-mailing pednet@pednet.org or calling 268-8816.