The Greenways Commission of Bowling Green and Warren County is no more, but its work establishing walking and bicycling trails will live on under a new advisory role as part of the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Members of the Greenways Commission voted in December to abolish the commission and establish a subcommittee of the MPO that would continue the Greenways duties and responsibilities. Then, in January, the MPO Policy Committee voted to establish the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee as a subsidiary of the MPO.

“It (the BPAC) will be very similar to what the Greenways Commission did in the past,” said Karissa Lemon, MPO coordinator. “The thought process was that we would create more transparency and efficiency and put all transportation planning under one umbrella.”

Unlike the Greenways Commission, the BPAC will be part of the MPO, and Lemon sees that as a positive move for bicycling and walking advocates.

“There should be more collaboration,” she said. “Bicycle and pedestrian advocates should be heard more. This should enable better communication, but we’re still in the beginning of trying to re-format and restructure what we’re doing.”

Jennifer Tougas, who had served as chair of the Greenways Commission and is continuing as a member of the BPAC, agrees the new structure has merit.

“I see it as a positive move,” Tougas said. “The advantage of this structure is that it plugs us directly into the planning process. There will be close collaboration with the city and county.”

Tougas said existing Greenways Commission plans and projects will continue to be part of the transportation planning process. The new BPAC will also be involved in such things as sidewalk projects and road projects, looking for ways that bicycle and pedestrian travel can be included.

“The bike and pedestrian community will have a voice,” she said.

The Greenways Commission was established in 2001 as an outgrowth of the original Greenways Committee that was formed in 1995.

Established with the mission statement “to develop a network of walking and biking pathways that bring the community and nature together,” the Greenways Commission has procured millions of dollars worth of grants that have helped make progress toward that mission.

Starting with a $4.5 million federal grant in 2003, the Greenways Commission has been able to complete such projects as construction of trails at Kereiakes and RiverWalk parks, construction of trails from Boatlanding Park to Hobson Grove and renovation of the College Street pedestrian bridge.

More recently, a $990,000 grant helped build trails connecting Rich Pond Elementary School to South Warren High School and Buchanon Park.

Greenways Coordinator Miranda Clements was instrumental in procuring and administering many of the grants, but she resigned that position last August to take a job in Nashville.

Tougas is hopeful the work of procuring grants will continue through the BPAC and the MPO.

“Karissa will continue to keep her eyes out for more alternative transportation grants,” she said.