Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure

I propose that Ralston invest more heavily into bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, or at the very least, prioritize non-car infrastructure. This will be very beneficial for both the residents of the island, and in drawing tourists as an attraction. 

Mackinac Island is a very good example of the potential success of prioritizing bicycle infrastructure on an island. Despite the town only having around 500 residents, the island can get as many as 15,000 visitors a day, which is a lot of potential money. The infrastructure also has evidently allowed much of the natural landscape of the island to be preserved, as it prevents sprawl.

Though I do not think banning cars is necessary like it was done in Mackinac Island, Ralston can still benefit greatly in implementing in a similar fashion what Mackinac Island has done. The residents of the Ralston will benefit greatly from bicycle infrastructure due to the size of the island, it being small enough where not a lot of roads are needed, yet large enough where it may take some effort to get from one end to the other. This will make commuting in town significantly easier, and lower car congestion from all the unnecessary cars it takes off the road. The tourist industry of the town will also benefit from such infrastructure. It makes the town look smaller, quaint, and therefore more livable and attractive. The infrastructure will also differentiate the town from other parts of the country, making it more attractive to visit. Finally, it will make the transportation of tourists throughout the town more manageable, as giving visitors the option to use bicycles over a car will ease traffic congestion within the town.