CROG policy board endorses Priority Pathways active‑transportation framework

The CROG Policy Board voted to endorse the Priority Pathways plan, a regional active‑transportation framework produced with consultant Tool Design that maps conceptual corridors to better connect existing trails, downtowns, schools and transit hubs across the CROG region.

Kate Rosen, a consultant with Tool Design, said the plan is a 21‑month effort that used community outreach, pop‑ups and a survey to engage more than 400 residents and municipal staff. "People in your communities want to bike and walk more — over 90% said expanded infrastructure would make them more active," Rosen said, adding that safety concerns and difficult crossings are the biggest barriers.

Rosen described a hub‑and‑spoke model centered on Hartford with three tiers — regional pathways, community connections and local circulators — and stressed the maps are conceptual. "No municipality is being mandated to build anything specific," she said; final alignments will be determined through local planning and engineering.

Heidi, representing project staff, and Rosen said the plan includes rough cost estimates, facility guidance and a summary of federal, state and local grant programs that municipalities can draw on, along with an interactive digital map for local review. Near‑term actions recommended in the plan include closing short gaps, upgrading crossings and piloting quick‑build treatments before committing to permanent reconstruction.

Board members moved to endorse the study by voice vote. Staff said CROG will work with individual towns to identify projects to champion and to help secure grant funding to move segments from concept to design and construction.