Local cyclists and pedestrians will soon have an opportunity to comment on how the City of Turlock can better serve their needs.

A workshop on the city’s in-development Active Transportation Plan will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 5 in the Yosemite Room of Turlock City Hall, 156 S. Broadway.

"We look forward to hearing from business owners, parents, students, and all residents about why they bike – or do not bike – and where they would like improved bicycle and pedestrian facilities," said Turlock City Planner Rose Stillo.

The plan is intended to review Turlock’s existing system of bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks. Where problem areas are found, infrastructure improvements will be planned.

Those infrastructure improvements won’t come immediately after the plan’s completion, as funding must be identified to complete any city projects. But having a completed Active Transportation plan will qualify the City of Turlock for millions in previously unavailable state and federal grants.

The plan also looks to develop educational programs and initiatives to encourage walking or biking.

The April 5 workshop will begin with a presentation from consultants Alta Planning + Design and Omni-Means on the “Complete Streets” movement. That movement, which suggests that all streets should be welcoming to cars, bikes, pedestrians, and wheelchair users alike, could inform the development of a plan to encourage cycling and walking across Turlock.

Participants will then have the opportunity to help draft the future of Turlock’s bike and pedestrian system through a visioning session. They may also voice concerns regarding specific areas of the city’s bike lane and sidewalk systems.

The workshop will conclude with optional one-hour tours, either on-foot or by bike, to look at real-life local examples of good bikeways and walkways – and those areas which can be improved.

For more information, call 209-668-5640.