Transportation Edition
Save the Date for the CommuteSmart NH Statewide Challenge.
CommuteSmart NH Announces Statewide Challenge

Shayna Sylvia, communications and outreach planner, attended the events subcommittee meeting of CommuteSmart NH on Tuesday, Apr. 23. The meeting allowed representatives from the regional planning commissions (RPCs) and Vital Communities the opportunity to finalize processes and documents related to the upcoming statewide commuter challenge.
 
CommuteSmart NH also announced the challenge on its social media this week. The pilot competition, which will take place in June, encourages organizations and businesses from across the state to create teams and log their sustainable trips to work between Jun. 1 — 30. Accepted modes include carpooling (including vanpool and motorpool), riding a bike or skateboard, walking, telecommuting, or transit. This challenge follows on the heels of CommuteSmartSeacoast’s May B2B challenge , which provides an excellent model.
 
Learn more about the CommuteSmart NH challenge at http://commutesmartnh.org/june-statewide-challenge/ .
 
Contact Shayna Sylvia , communications and outreach planner, for more information.
Strafford MPO Prepares Public Input Survey

In the coming weeks, Strafford Metropolitan Planning Organization will be launching a public outreach survey meant to gather input related to the pending update of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). The MTP is the comprehensive transportation planning document of the Strafford MPO and an effective guide for planning to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the Strafford region. The metro plan integrates transportation perspectives into considerations of the environment and natural resources, economics, demographics, land use, infrastructure, and public health.
 
The survey will be released via Survey Monkey, and Strafford MPO is encouraging citizens from across the region to share their thoughts on challenges and concerns, and innovative ideas relative to transportation in daily life. This information will help Strafford MPO represent the visions and goals of residents accurately, in addition to advocating for regional projects that will impact residents’ lives.
 
We hope residents will share their input and share the surveys with others, to create a large database of feedback and ensure the survey is widespread. Stay tuned for more information.
 
Contact Nancy O'Connor , program content coordinator, for more information. 
Data Staffers Get Ready for Traffic Count Season

Stefanie Casella, data collection and analysis assistant, and Rachel Dewey, data analyst, have begun preparations for the upcoming traffic count season which will officially start on May 6. This year, the NHDOT has assigned 109 counts throughout the region. Strafford MPO also provides supplemental traffic count services, which are included for dues paying communities, and can be arranged through contracts with non-dues paying communities.
 
Prior to the official launch of the traffic count season, Stefanie and Rachel will be setting bicycle/pedestrian counters in downtown Rochester for the days leading up to and including Free Comic Book Day. Strafford MPO is working with the City and the owner of Jet Pack Comics to track foot traffic during the May 4 event, which drives thousands of visitors and residents to Rochester's downtown each spring.
 
Learn more about Strafford MPO's data collection online . 

Pieces of Interest



Strafford Regional Planning Commission | 603-994-3500 | srpc@strafford.org | www.strafford.org
April 26, 2019