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Walk/Bike Frankfort By Donna Hecker, Contributing Columnist Several years ago, a
friend suggested a public dialogue called “Let’s Talk Frankfort.”
She’d gotten the idea from a project promoted by Utne Reader called
“Let’s Talk America.” We put the word out
and on an early spring night about three dozen people gathered to talk
about their ideas for a better community. The participants split into
smaller groups of five or six each and settled in for an earnest
discussion. There was no agenda;
no list of issues; no ground rules other than to engage in a thoughtful
and respectful conversation in which everyone would have a turn. Before
breaking up for the evening, we all got together to compare notes on the
topics that came up. Imagine our surprise
when we realized there was one issue that surfaced in every group. All of
us, it seemed, were interested in what we called “bikeability” in our
city. We shared our dreams for bike racks and bicycle lanes. Among the attendees
that night were Mike Bomford and Kiersten Moore who had just moved to
Frankfort from Vancouver, British Columbia. From them, I heard for the
first time about a trail that came down East Main Street from Kentucky
State University. They said it followed the old rail bed and was perfect
for a walking/biking trail. Later, Mike and
Kiersten and other folks like Jim Call and Brent Sweger would be the
impetus and inspiration behind the formation of a grass-roots group that
named itself “Walk/Bike Frankfort.” As its membership grew through a
series of popular public forums, the group created a wish list of
inter-connected trails and bicycle lanes and greenway development. But they didn‘t stop
there. A presentation was made to the Frankfort City Commission. Projects
were prioritized; grant applications were filed; members assailed the
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet when it looked like a long-awaited bike
lane on Second Street might not materialize. And in a show of
solidarity with the Riverfront Development Committee of the Frankfort
Tourism Commission, they put boots on the ground and shovels in the dirt
to begin construction on a trail that would link Riverview Park to Cove
Spring Park by way of Buffalo Trace Distillery. It was all great but
not good enough. Walk/Bike Frankfort members wanted to share the
excitement with their neighbors and friends. So plans were launched to
come up with a year’s worth of fun events that featured themed walks and
bike rides that everyone could take part in. The first of these was
the aptly named “Polar Bear Walk” on January 16. Upwards of 80 people
and a dozen or so dogs turned out to walk the Riverview Walk and preview
the Buffalo Trace Trail. There were couples, singles, friends, families
with strollers. One intrepid kid even brought his bike along. Afterward, everyone
gathered under the Farmers’ Market Pavilion for a cup of hot chocolate,
courtesy of the Frankfort Parks and Recreation Department. A walker from
Lexington said she’d come to meet new people. Another from Frankfort
said she showed up even when her friend was unable to and met a sorority
sister from another school. Some had read about it in the paper; others
had gotten one of the numerous e-mail invitations that were circulated. The Walk/Bike
Frankfort public relations and community outreach committee is already at
work on February’s event. Maybe it’ll be a “Sweetheart Stroll” or
“Carnivale Promenade.” Perhaps folks will be encouraged to dress in
shades of pink or red or flaunt their Mardi Gras beads. But no matter what
it’s called or how you dress, the emphasis will be on good scenery, good
conversation with friends and neighbors, and good fun! And cyclists
shouldn’t despair! As soon as warmer weather arrives there could be
bicycle polo matches, repair workshops, two-wheeled scavenger hunts,
family fun rides. And the first of May will herald that famous event known
as…National Bike Month! With Walk/Bike
Frankfort, the fun never ends. Visit them on their Facebook page and
resolve to discover your inner child as you lace up your sneakers, pull on
your boots or pump up your bike tires. There’s a whole new Frankfort
waiting to be explored! Donna Hecker is a
lifelong Frankfort resident whose most impressive cycling feat is the
ability to stay upright (most of the time!). |
