Wyoming Pathways Pushes for Safer Streets for Walkers and Bikers

Cyclists and pedestrians are finally getting the attention they deserve — and a statewide workshop tour is helping make it happen.

Wyoming Pathways, a nonprofit pushing for safer, more connected communities, is rolling out safety workshops across the state with help from a $50,000 grant from WYDOT. The goal? Keep walkers and bikers safe on streets still dominated by cars.

“We recognize that pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable road users,” said Grace Templeton, who handles community engagement for Wyoming Pathways. “It’s really important for everyone in Cheyenne and beyond to feel safer getting around without a car.”

The group’s next big event is Friday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cheyenne Public Safety Center. It’ll be an open-house-style workshop where safety experts will share tips, gather public input, and highlight best practices — all before the school year kicks into gear.

Executive Director Michael Kusiek gets it: Wyoming isn’t exactly known for walkable cities.

“If you’ve lived here long enough, you know it’s tough to get around without a car,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a responsibility to look out for vulnerable users — especially kids — and just slow down and pay attention.”

Though Wyoming ranks around 17th in the nation for accidents per capita, officials stress that even one pedestrian or cyclist injury is one too many. They’re hoping to take the workshops on the road next, with stops planned for Casper, Laramie, Lander, and Sheridan.

“If we can reduce — or even eliminate — accidents, especially for kids walking or biking to school, that’s a huge win,” Kusiek said.

Want safer streets in your neighborhood? Now’s your chance to speak up. Wyoming Pathways wants to hear from you.

The original story by Valeria Fugate for Wyoming News Now.