More Walking Zones Planned
By SANDRA BALTAZAR MARTÍNEZ, The Press-Enterprise; Tuesday, June 28, 2005

Banning may soon have more areas where residents can enjoy a stroll in the
city.

The goal is to get some of the changes implemented within a year, with the
help of a group of people willing to make Banning a walkable community,
Councilwoman Barbara Hanna said.

The effort is part of series of workshops held throughout the county as part
of a California Department of Health Services $5,000 grant to the Riverside
County Department of Public Health.

The group met for a first-phase meeting Monday. Twenty-three city officials
and community members walked through some streets, taking notes on problem
areas for pedestrians. Many streets in the city do not have sidewalks.
Constructing wide sidewalks, planting trees and restripping streets near
school zones would benefit residents while leaving the "old-time feel," many
said.

The effort to make Banning a more walkable community could have health
benefits for residents, according to participants.

"Sixty-two percent of adults statewide are overweight or obese and about one
of three (children)," said Sandy Jackson, injury prevention services and
program coordinator with the Riverside County Department of Public Health.
Streets with sidewalks is an important priority for Banning High School
Principal Jim Broncatello. On an average day, about 200 students walk to and from
school and cross the train tracks, he said.

"Sometimes if the train is parked there, some kids will find a way around
it," Broncatello said.

Wheelchair-accessible sidewalks and the creation of a pedestrian and bicycle
master plan are also important, participants said.

As an interim solution, streets near schools will be restripped and
crosswalks will be made more visible with ladder lines.

Finding the money for improvements will come when the new General Plan and
Zoning is adopted in September, Hanna said.

Reach Sandra Baltazar Martínez at (760) 837-4412