The Regional Non-Motorized

Transportation Project

 

The purpose of the Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Project is to develop a network of year-round trails that will connect rural communities in Northeast Washington.

 

Many Northeast Washington communities have experienced a trend toward greater car dependence and away from active modes of transportation such as walking and biking. This is partly due to schools, stores and neighboring communities not being reasonably accessible by walking or biking from one’s home.

 

Besides the benefits of recreation and access to public lands this project will also resolve several secondary issues such as providing non-motorized routes for all, specifically the elderly and low-income who may simply lack methods of transportation and must compete with highway traffic.

 

Another secondary outcome will provide opportunities to address health issues such as obesity. Adult obesity has increased by 127% from 1990 to 2002, in Washington State (DOH, CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 1990, 2002). Obesity is known to significantly increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, arthritis, high cholesterol and cancer.

Tri-County Economic Development District’s

Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Project