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To the editor,

We were pleased to see Suffolk resident Siggy Reyes’ letter to the editor, “Better pedestrian facilities needed,” in the Suffolk News-Herald on Feb. 15. The letter highlighted the need for a way to connect neighborhoods and provide safe pathways for pedestrians in Suffolk.

Our nonprofit, Suffolk Parks and Trails Alliance (“SPTA”), was established in 2020 in order to support quality recreational areas in the city of Suffolk, including safe pathways for pedestrians and cyclists.

Many citizens don’t know that the city of Suffolk adopted a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan in 2017 and incorporated the plan into its Comprehensive Plan for the city. Developed by experts and with public input, this comprehensive plan is accessible to the public on the city’s website at www.suffolkva.us/1519/Guides-and-Resources.

Responsive to Reyes’ and, we trust, other citizens’ “call to action” for greater and safer walkability in the city, this plan lays out in detail Suffolk’s planned improvement and expansion of safe corridors for non-motorized travel for both pedestrians and cyclists.

SPTA’s mission is to raise public awareness of and help raise funds for those safe corridors that enhance quality of life for the citizens of Suffolk. With the public’s support, we trust these planned enhancements will come to fruition in Suffolk for the health, safety and enjoyment of its citizens as well as its visitors.

Learn more about Suffolk Parks and Trails Alliance on our Facebook page.

 

Katherine Cross

Suffolk