The City of Westminster seeks to ensure a range of efficient ways to get around the City through a safe, interconnected, transportation system. As is typical for many cities in Orange County, a quarter of Westminster’s land is dedicated to roadways. This means that streets are not only a major resource for the City’s circulation, but also greatly influence the look and feel of the community. In an effort to improve the appearance of our streets and neighborhoods, as well as the health of our residents, the City is currently developing multiple active transportation facilities. They include walking paths, bike trails, and bikeways. A portion of community outreach efforts took place, in 2016, when the City hosted an event called “Experience Hoover”. Pictured below are photographs of the event.

After applying for and securing grant money from Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the City got to work on community outreach to determine the needs of residents. SCAG in partnership with City government hosted “Experience Hoover”. The event was an opportunity for community members to experience the roadway’s existing bike and pedestrian facilities and visualize proposed safety improvements along the street.

Experience Hoover Accomplishments

• Provided residents the opportunity to experience walking and biking in a safe, low-stress, and festive environment.
• Educated participants on the benefits and strategies for incorporating active transportation into daily activities.
• Generated media coverage through social and traditional media outlets to educate the broader community on the benefits of active transportation.

Active Transportation Considerations

• Continue to provide for cars.
• Amenities for pedestrians, bicycles, and public transit.
• Implement design features for speed reduction.
• Implement design features for safety enhancements benefitting vulnerable users.
• Enhance streetscapes and aesthetics.

Bikeways and other active transportation projects are more than state-mandated implementations. They are a fundamental shift in how the City plans and designs the street system. This approach recognizes that streets are public spaces and assures that public spaces serve all users of the system (seniors, children, bicyclists, pedestrians, etc.).