Under the cover of darkness, Walk Raleigh’s Matt Tomasulo posted low-cost high-visibility signs that advise people how long it takes to walk from one destination to another. Washington’s Feet First has run Walk & Talk events throughout Seattle that have engaged a host of community members and leaders to build support for walking. New York City Transportation Alternatives’ Zero on Queens Boulevard campaign calls on the City to choose saving lives ahead of traffic flow and to make the boulevard safe to cross by integrating it more with the neighborhoods it traverses.

Panelists include:
Matt Tomasulo, Walk Raleigh
Lisa Quinn, Feet First
Lindsey Ganson, Transportation Alternatives

But the bill did not move forward in its current state; three additional amendments were added.

1)    Boost funds for Harbor Maintenance Fund

2)    Lessen the grip on toxic coal residual regulations

3)    Environmental streamlining

4)    The amendment also included Keystone Pipeline provisions and the RESTORE Act

Why an extension?  Technically, the extension provides and opportunity for the House to conference with the Senate’s transportation bill MAP 21, S. 1813. But what does this mean for Active Transportation Policy (walking and biking programs)?  The best case scenario for walking and biking programs is 1) the establishment of local access to Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School funds, and 2) restoration of the Recreational Trails Program.  As we see it, walking and biking is much better off today, than 6 months ago.

Conference period IS a time for negotiation, so it is important to stay informed and vigilant about new developments.  In developing a conference strategy, we must be proactive in assuring Active Transportation Policy is protected, and stay informed about key developments such as President Obama’s veto threat over the Keystone Pipeline issue.

Please stay tuned as this new development takes shape.  We will need your continuous support in protecting walking and biking.

For background, and as many of you know, the Institute partners with AARP to deliver Active Living Workshops throughout the country. The workshops are educational, capacity-building events that teach the principles of walkability, inspire participants to envision streets that are more supportive of active living, and help stakeholders identify key local issues and commit to next steps and strategies for change. The implementation guide was developed to pick up where the workshops leave off – to help turn that high level of inspiration and commitment into action. Although the guide was developed primarily as a companion piece to the workshops, it was intentionally created in a manner that it can be helpful to any community, regardless of whether they’ve already hosted an Active Living Workshop.

The contents of the guide include: making the case for active living, forming a “great” group, engaging the community and building capacity; working with local government, funding active-living projects, and an active-living toolbox. The guide includes case studies and essays from people in the field who are making it happen.

Please disseminate the link to the website as you wish. And of course, WALC would appreciate hearing back if you have any feedback on the guide.

Provided by:

Kelly Morphy

Director of Outreach and Communications

Walkable and Livable Communities Institute

1215 Lawrence Street, Unit 001

Port Townsend, WA 98368

My time zone: Eastern U.S.

Phone: 559.250.4118

Skype: kelly_morphy

Email: kelly@walklive.org

Website: www.walklive.org

The WALC Institute inspires, teaches, connects and supports communities in their efforts to improve health and well-being through better built environments.