Creating a safe community infrastructure that encourages walking, cycling, and other forms of non-motorized travel can significantly impact the health of a community. When neighborhoods are designed to be pedestrian-friendly, residents are more likely to walk to their destinations, which helps reduce obesity, improve cardiovascular health, and lower the risk of chronic diseases and certain cancers. An active transportation plan is a comprehensive strategy designed to improve options for non-motorized travel in a community.
Even small communities can make a big impact in the realm of active transportation, as demonstrated by Versailles, Missouri, a town with a population of around 2,500. The town’s emphasis on active transportation, which includes walking, bicycling, and other non-motorized forms of movement, serves as a model for other small towns looking to improve accessibility, reduce dependency on cars and foreign oil, and create vibrant community spaces. Known for its lively Apple Festival in October, Versailles is now gaining national attention for its impressive strides in expanding active transportation options, enhancing the town’s charm and accessibility throughout the year.
The cornerstone of Versailles’ transformation has been its 2019 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This comprehensive blueprint has guided the town’s development of active transportation infrastructure, ensuring that each project aligns with a cohesive vision for a more connected and pedestrian-friendly community. Here’s how Versailles is making waves with its active transportation initiatives:
- Enhanced Infrastructure: Thanks to local advocates like Tara Grantham and a group called the 100 Empowered Women of Versailles, the town has installed twelve new bike racks and numerous benches. These additions promote cycling and walking, fostering a more active lifestyle.
- Improved Pedestrian Safety: New pedestrian crossing beacons and crosswalks have been added to major highways MO-5 and MO-52. Funded by a Transportation Alternatives Program grant from the Missouri Department of Transportation, this project ensures safer access for residents traveling to schools and businesses.
- Community Bike Routes: A newly established community bike route has been marked with fresh signage and painted wayfinding arrows, funded through an Active Living Community of Practice grant from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. These enhancements make biking easier by showcasing lower stress routes and highlighting the presence of people biking to get around throughout Versailles.
- Expanded Sidewalks: The city has introduced new sidewalks on several busy streets, all guided by the 2019 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This development is supported by a voter-approved tax, reflecting the community’s commitment to pedestrian infrastructure.
- Trail Integration: The Rock Island Trail State Park corridor, accepted as Missouri’s 93rd State Park in June of 2023, passes directly through Versailles. The town is preparing for the addition of this trail with new trailheads and connecting sidewalks, creating a seamless link between the trail and the community.
These advancements are particularly noteworthy given Versailles’ size and limited resources. The town’s achievements have caught the attention of others through the state, who hope to emulate the successes of the town. Organizations like Missourians for Responsible Transportation (MRT), which works with small communities across the state, have assisted these efforts through the Active Living Community of Practice grant. MRT has showcased Versailles’ progress as a model for other communities looking to enhance their own active transportation options.
The success of Versailles serves as a powerful example of how active transportation plans, exemplified by the 2019 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, can drive significant improvements in infrastructure for people walking, bicycling, and using other non-motorized forms of movement. By aligning projects with a comprehensive plan, Versailles has effectively created a more connected, accessible, and vibrant community.
As more communities look to Versailles for inspiration, it’s clear that with the right resources, community engagement, and a well-guided plan, any town can make strides toward a more active and connected future.
