Anaconda is exploring ways to make the town more walking and biking friendly -- and to drive more foot traffic to downtown businesses.
It’s part of a strategy to make the community more vibrant.
“Once you get people who want to be out in downtown, you see more businesses, more interest and ultimately more people being active,” said county planner Kaitlin Leary.
With a grant, city planners invited Scott Bricker of America Walks to lead discussion on how to create a community that’s easy to navigate by foot or by bicycle, not solely by car.
Bricker said creating a community that invites walking isn’t only a health benefit – it’s a boost to local stores, too.
“People care about place and destination,” he said to about 40 business owners, elected officials and citizens this week. “Stopping is just as important as walking. Walkable districts have higher commercial values.’’
He said more people may funnel through a busy street in cars, but the chance of them stopping is much lower.
“Create opportunities for people to slow down instead of speeding through,’’ he said.