Milwaukee DPW unveils draft for city's first pedestrian plan

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee's Department of Public Works unveiled a draft of the city's first pedestrian plan Tuesday. 

The plan was shared at an open house at Mitchell Street Library, where people could talk to those who were part of creating the plan and provide feedback. 

"Through the engagement already we’ve identified four themes for the plan: safety, livability and health, accessibility, operations and funding," said Mike Amsden, Multi-Modal Transportation Manager for the Department of Public Works. 

"Wanted them to understand how the lack of curb cuts," said Robert Bennett, who attended the open house. Bennett is legally blind and has trouble hearing. 

"I feel like I'm in a cave, an actual cave, which is no good because it doesn't allow me to make my decisions like I know I can make," he said. 

Barbara Finch also attended. She uses her bike to get around the city.  

"The cars are the biggest problem for bikers cause they don't give us the right of way," said Finch. 

Finch provided feedback for the plan, and has also read through parts of it. 

"It’s very comprehensive. Someone worked very hard to write it," she said. 

A few of the recommendations in the draft include implementing a citywide marked crosswalk policy, addressing gaps in the sidewalk network, using streets and public spaces for events, making sure pedestrians are able to use sidewalks year round. 

The plan will still be available online for the next few days and DPW will be accepting comments through the end of the week. 

To see the draft of the plan, click here.