The Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, in collaboration with the Chautauqua County Health Department, Community Health Network, the City of Jamestown, CCPEG, and Spokefolks, has announced the 3rd annual Active Transportation Week. The week offers an opportunity to highlight how thoughtful infrastructure investments can improve safety, accessibility, and quality of life across Chautauqua County. County officials say Complete Streets leads the way for safe and efficient active transportation.
Based on U.S. Census data, approximately 6.5% to 8.5% of households in Chautauqua County do not own a vehicle, totaling roughly 3,500-4,500 households, with higher concentrations in the cities of Jamestown and Dunkirk. Additionally, around 1,379 residents have been identified as having no car access while living far from a grocery store. The Chautauqua County Complete Streets Workgroup stands out as a strong example of how collaboration and planning are turning the principles of Complete Streets into visible, on-the-ground improvements. Complete Streets is an approach to designing and operating roadways so they are safe and accessible for all users; pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, and motorists of all ages and abilities. In Chautauqua County, this vision is steadily becoming reality through a combination of planning, community engagement, and strategic investment.
Several projects currently under construction reflect the county's commitment to these principals. In the Village of Cassadaga, the Maple Avenue Crosswalk Improvements project is enhancing pedestrian safety through upgraded crossings designed to increase visibility and reduce vehicle speeds. These improvements are especially important in village centers where residents and visitors frequently walk between homes, businesses, lakes, and community spaces.
Similarly, work along Water Street in the Village of Fredonia is bringing ADA-compliant curb ramps, upgraded crosswalks, and public art bumpouts to the corridor. These bumpouts not only shorten crossing distances for pedestrians, but also serve as traffic-calming features. The integration of public art adds a placemaking element, helping to create a more welcoming and vibrant streetscape while reinforcing community identity.
In addition to these construction projects, the Complete Streets Workgroup is also working on implementing recent planning efforts, including implementing recommendations made in the Vineyard Drive/Millard Fillmore Drive Complete Streets Plan (rendering above) completed last June.
Chautauqua County officials say that During Active Transportation Week, these projects serve as a powerful reminder that investing in walkable, bikeable, and accessible infrastructure isn't just about getting from point A to point B; it's about building healthier, more connected communities.
