Carbondale bike‑ped commission launches outreach push, aims to pick slogan by January

The Carbondale Bike and Pedestrian Commission moved to organize a public‑relations push to raise awareness of recent projects and recruit volunteers, aiming to produce a shortlist of slogans for a public vote at its January meeting.

Commission members said the outreach push will focus on simple, recurring messages tied to a short slogan and delivered through partner outlets including the town newsletter, Carbondale Arts, the Chamber of Commerce and local radio. Laurie, a commission member, read sample slogans at the meeting, including proposals such as “Carbondale: walk, bike, belong” and “Carbondale, streets that work for everyone.”

“This is what this committee did this summer — the bike lanes, two new crosswalks on Highway 133 — and we should tell people about it,” Laurie said, urging the group to combine safety reminders with invitations to attend meetings and volunteer. She also recommended short, recurring safety lines for different audiences: drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Town staff told the commission there are multiple avenues to distribute a recurring message. Kevin, identified at the meeting as town staff, noted the Chamber’s existing tourism brand and cautioned that outside branding can change: “The ‘Take It Easy’ is the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce’s brand,” he said while urging coordination. Kevin also outlined logistics for the town newsletter, saying content needs to arrive at least a week before the end of the month because the newsletter is issued on the first.

Members discussed free and low‑cost vehicles such as PSAs and partner newsletters, and the possibility of occasional paid underwriting on local radio to guarantee timing. A radio representative explained that PSAs are placed into a general rotation and that underwriting (handled by the station contact ‘Tracy’) allows more control and scheduling; members were advised to contact Tracy for rates and packages.

On funding, a staff member said the commission already has a modest 2026 base budget (noted as approximately $2,500) that could cover occasional ads or printed materials; members discussed the option of requesting a larger allocation later (an example figure of $5,000 was mentioned as illustrative, not committed).

To comply with open‑meeting requirements, members agreed to collect slogan ideas individually and submit them to Matt, who will compile a master list and place it in the public meeting packet; the commission will not deliberate on the list outside of a noticed meeting. The outreach work will be handled by a standing outreach subcommittee that will meet publicly before the January meeting and return recommended slogans and an initial set of five messages for full commission approval.

Next steps set at the meeting: commission members will submit slogan ideas to Matt (BCCing the group to avoid an online deliberation), the outreach subcommittee will meet to refine messaging and Matt will include the compiled slogan list in the January packet for a public vote.