'Walkable' cities plans discussed - al.com

'Walkable' cities plans discussed - al.com: "SPANISH FORT — About two dozen officials from cities on both sides of Mobile Bay talked Thursday about how to make the entire area a nicer place to walk or bike through, and a safer place to raise children.

One good characteristic to strive for, most agreed, was not having to worry a lot about being creamed by a car.

'While riding my bike, I've almost been hit twice by Daphne drivers. My wife has been hit,' said Daphne Councilman John Lake, an avid bicyclist. Lake even rode to Thursday's meeting at Five Rivers Delta Center on the Causeway.

"I've noticed that, in Fairhope, you don't have to worry as much. People look out for you more," he said.

Thursday's meeting was part of a weeklong visit to the area from two representatives of the Washington, D.C.-based National Center for Bicycling & Walking, a national pedestrian advocacy group.

They were invited by Smart Coast, a nonprofit group active in the area that has sponsored conferences on sustainable community design."