Hurricane Sandy and Safe Routes to School
We have had a lot to be thankful for recently, excepting the lasting and tragic human impact of hurricane Sandy.
Reflecting on All That We Value
The end of the year is a time of reflection on all that we value. Here at the Safe Routes Partnership, we value the simple act of walking or bicycling safely to school, a shop or to work.
What’s Next on MAP-21 at the Federal Level?
I’ve written a lot in the past few months about implementation of the federal MAP-21 transportation law at the state level, but there are still many issues and processes remaining at the federal level. So this month, I thought I’d touch on a few of them.
Update from the Florida Safe Routes to School Program
Florida has had great success with Safe Routes to School under SAFETEA-LU, with more than 235 applications ($68.8 million) being funded. The average Safe Routes to School project funded was $292,766. There has been a call for infrastructure applications each fall through spring. Spring 2012 ended the 6th call for projects. These projects will be in the 2017 work program. The average return on these projects was an increase of 22 percent of children walking to and from school. The program works!
Reflections Begin
I’ve been immersed in our latest progress reports for the regional network project, and it is so easy to get lost in the minutiae of editing. But when I stop and think back upon our efforts this year, I am proud of the work of everyone involved in our regional efforts.
Safe Routes to School National Conference Planning in Full Swing
August 13-15, 2013 will be here before we know it, so make your plans now to join us in Sacramento for the Safe Routes to School National Conference! Check out the revamped website at www.saferoutesconference.org, and take a look at our Save the Date.
Thankful in Tennessee
During the month of November we are reminded to give thanks. I have Facebook friends who are making an effort to post something they are thankful for every day of the month. While I like this idea, I think we should also make an effort to thank others -- to let them know we appreciate them.
Students Steal the Show
I recently had the privilege of speaking at the Fairfax County Bike Summit. It was the first Bike Summit in the county. Fairfax County has come a long way through the work of the Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling.
California’s Cap-and-Trade Program: Continuing Opportunities for Active Transportation Advocates
California’s climate change legislation continues to provide opportunities for bicycle and pedestrian advocates to influence regional transportation policy and finance.
Exercise Your Right to…Exercise
The past several months have been rife with debates, campaign speeches and rallies supporting certain candidates, ideologies and policies. Over the past couple of weeks, many Americans have exercised their right to vote into office the state and local leaders of their choice as well as the President of the United States of America.