The Stanislaus Council of Governments (StanCOG) is launching two community planning projects: “Connect Bystrom” and “Connect Empire” to explore how people get around, and their experiences while traveling. The project team will then determine how to make it safer, easier, and more convenient for people to walk, bicycle, and take transit in both areas.

StanCOG is seeking community input through two online surveys (one for Bystrom and one for Empire). By completing this five-minute survey, community members can let StanCOG know how they get around, where they want to go, what challenges they face while traveling, and how transportation options and experiences could be improved.

The Bystom area is bounded by South Seventh Street on the west, and follows the unincorporated areas along River Road between the Ceres limits and the Tuolumne River.

Empire is the unincorporated town northwest of Hughson and east of Modesto.

StanCOG welcomes input from anyone who lives, works, or spends time in Empire and Bystrom. The surveys are available online in both English and Spanish.

The surveys will be open from Monday, Sept. 20 to Friday, Oct. 8.

This survey will provide key local input to inform StanCOG’s future outreach during the project. The data collected from the surveys will be used to facilitate conversations regarding roadway conditions and potential strategies and opportunities to enhance mobility within these two areas.

StanCOG is inviting Bystrom community members to share their feedback at www.bit.ly/ConnectBystrom (English) or www.bit.ly/BystromConnectado (Spanish).

Empire community members can share their feedback at www.bit.ly/ConnectEmpire (English) or www.bit.ly/EmpireConnectado (Spanish).

Questions about the project or the surveys can be directed to Isael Ojeda at iojeda@stancog.org or 525-4632.