Developing an Active Transportation Plan for Lander

Communities throughout the Mountain West enjoy robust public pathway and trail programs, and recognize safe biking and walking routes as essential to livability. Yet after a decade of listening sessions, studies, and planning efforts, and despite multiple user groups urging officials to implement a coordinated plan, Lander still lacked a clear “active transportation” vision, and many of its routes remained unconnected. A staff member at Wyoming Pathways, along with members of the Lander Cycling Club, attributed the problem to the lack of a single, full-time advocate who could serve as the public voice for cyclists and pedestrians. In 2021, LOR provided funding for the groups to hire a coordinator to develop and implement a workable plan to increase local government’s investment in Lander’s biking and walking infrastructure and programs. Hundreds of communities around America can attest to the benefits of a skilled, dedicated cycling and pedestrian advocacy organization that can fill the role of community partner and government watchdog. Today, Lander is on its way to joining them.