A recent resolution passed in the city of Hamtramck will continue to move the city toward a future that's inclusive of drivers, bikers and pedestrians.
The Complete Streets policy was adopted by MDOT last year. Jason Friedmann, director of community and economic development for the city of Hamtramck, says the resolution pushes city planners to expand their perspectives.
He says every type of user of the streets should benefit. "People on bikes, pedestrians who are walking, people who are disabled, and not just cars," are targeted in the resolution.
That's important in a city like Hamtramck, a hub for new immigrants, a place where more than 30 languages are spoken in school.
"We have a lot of people coming here from different parts of the world, who don't have cars or can't afford cars when they first come here," Friedmann says. "And then a lot of them end up staying here because they like not having cars, being able to get around on a bike or DDOT transportation. Half of our residents, 50 percent of our residents do not have cars."
Hamtramck is part of the MIchigan Trails and Greenways of Detroit group, headed up by Todd Scott. They're working on creating a trail network through the city of Detroit that will eventually connect Highland Park, Hamtramck and the suburbs.
Friedmann says that designs for the trail networks in Hamtramck are in place, and they're working on securing funding for the pathways.
"Several of the trails are planned for on streets, so all those will be under Complete Streets guidelines. A big part of it is installing bike lanes on our main streets, like Jos. Campau and Caniff."
Find out more
here.Source: Jason Friedmann, director of community and economic development, city of Hamtramck
Writer: Ashley C. Woods
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