The NVCOG is developing a comprehensive, region wide Naugatuck Valley Active Transportation Plan (NVATP) that will aim to coordinate efforts across the 19 municipal members. By compiling best practices and standards, the NVCOG aims to encourage increased access to safe, convenient walking/rolling and biking facilities.
Community feedback is valuable in helping the NVCOG prioritize projects and improvements in the Active Transportation Plan. This survey will examine habits, preferences, and challenges to walking/rolling and cycling.
Building a More Inclusive Built Environment
The NVCOG supports the growth of our region in an environmentally and economically sustainable way and aims to create a built environment that is welcoming and functional for people of all ages and abilities. Improving active transportation facilities provides additional options to those who cannot use a motor vehicle while also encouraging physical activity and healthier lifestyles for residents.
Aligning with Connecticut’s Momentum: Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety
The Naugatuck Valley Active Transportation Plan (NVATP) is being prepared at a time when the State of Connecticut has increasing momentum on pedestrian and bicyclist safety and seeks to build on that progress. In the Connecticut 2021 legislative Session, several key changes occurred that prove relevant to this plan, including the creation of a statewide Vision Zero Council and many changes to the State’s pedestrian and bicyclist protection laws. This momentum continued into 2023, as the Connecticut General Assembly passed a comprehensive traffic safety bill, implementing several recommendations of the Vision Zero Council.
Previously, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) established the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board whose main purpose is to ensure that the needs of non-motorized users are considered in a statewide context. CTDOT has also previously prepared a statewide active transportation plan, originally released in 2015 and most recently updated in 2019. A complete streets policy was adopted in 2014. In 2023, the CTDOT expanded this policy, releasing new Complete Streets design criteria that is to be incorporated into all transportation projects.
Achieving Roadway Safety Goals
In 2022, the NVCOG Board endorsed CTDOT’s Complete Streets Policy, formally recognizing Complete Streets as a design and policy priority for all projects in the region. NVCOG plans to develop a regional Complete Streets Plan, which will include a more specific regional policy. Implementing Complete Streets at a regional level will be crucial in helping NVCOG achieve our Vision Zero goal of eliminating all roadway related fatalities and serious injuries by 2050.
Public Involvement Process
The NVCOG staff is currently developing a public engagement process to ensure that we reach a broad audience with this study.
Survey
The NVCOG has released an online survey to examine habits, preferences, and challenges to walking/rolling and cycling in the community at https://arcg.is/yKyKW. Residents, workers, and visitors to the region, are encouraged to provide input.
Public Meetings
All residents of the region are invited to participate at our public meetings.
Upcoming Events
- Walk & Talk with Us on the Waterbury Greenway 05/23/24. View event details.
Past Meetings
- Waterbury City Hall Veterans Memorial Hall 02/20/24
- View the live recording of the meeting.
- Bristol Public Library 04/23/24
- Virtual on Zoom 04/30/24
Stakeholder Meetings
Additionally, the NVCOG will be conducting a broad series of stakeholder conversations with organizations and leaders throughout the region. Please send any outreach ideas or requests to Elliot Wareham at ewareham@nvcogct.gov.
Stay Updated on Social Media
In addition to this website, the NVCOG staff will keep you up-to-date regarding the project’s status and progress on the NVCOG’s social media platforms, which include Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Study Duration
This study will take place over the next 18 months, with an expected final draft available to the public in Fall/Winter 2024.
Existing Conditions Report
NVCOG is writing the existing conditions report, a foundational step in the study process. A draft of the existing conditions report will be available in spring of 2024.
Public Outreach
Beginning in Winter 2024, NVCOG will host public outreach efforts to gather valuable insights from residents, stakeholders, and the general public.
Stay Tuned for Updates
As the study progresses, staff will provide ongoing updates and insights into the development of the Active Transportation page. Be sure to check back for a more comprehensive and detailed timeline.
Active Transportation in CT
Linked below are resources from the CT Department of Transportation, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Board, and the new Vision Zero Council highlighting some of the work happening at the state level around active transportation.
- CTDOT Bike/Ped Dashboard
- Connecticut Active Transportation Plan
- Statewide Bicycle Planning Network (Map)
- Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board
- Connecticut Vision Zero Council
- Watch for Me CT
Existing Walkways and Bike Routes
The Naugatuck River Greenway and Farmington Canal Heritage Trail both cross through region, providing vital connections between places and recreational opportunities for our residents.
Access Information and Materials
Documents related to this study will be uploaded here when available.
