New Webinar: “First-Mile, Last-Mile: Connections to Transit”
Date and Time: Thursday, September 8th at 11am Pacific, 2pm Eastern
Webinar Title: First-Mile, Last-Mile: Connections to Transit
About the Webinar
In 2015, WalkDenver Founder and Executive Director Gosia Kung launched a study of Denver’s bus stops and light rail stations. Specifically, her team evaluated how easy (or difficult) and safe (or hazardous) it was to access transit service by walking and biking. WalkDenver’s research report, “First & Last Mile: Connecting People to Transit,” demonstrated that, while billions of dollars are being spent to expand public transit throughout the Denver metro area, very little attention is being paid to pedestrian infrastructure around the new transit stations. Gosia will describe how WalkDenver has used their study to advocate for major policy changes.
Also in 2015, the Indiana Citizens’ Alliance for Transit (ICAT) launched its “First-Mile, Last-Mile Connections to Transit” workshop series with the support of the Indiana Governor’s Council for People with Disabilities. These workshops provide a forum for community stakeholders to discuss public transportation planning and policy and their role in creating ‘livable communities’ for all people, regardless of age or ability. Specifically, workshop participants are trained to evaluate the various safety and accessibility features at bus stops and conduct sample assessments. Addison will present an overview of the workshops, including the planning process and format, assessment activity, and general recommendations for improving accessible pathways of travel.
About the Presenters
As Founder of WalkDenver, Gosia Kung was instrumental in bringing the first BetterBlock “Complete Streets” demonstration to Colorado. As a native of Poland, Ms. Kung has an inherent understanding and passion for the role of walkability in urban design. Steeped in European planning traditions, Ms. Kung brings added experience as a registered, practicing architect and a President of Denver-based design firm, KUNGarchitecture. Ms. Kung has built a reputation as an important advocate and spokesperson for walkability and its key role in building healthy communities. Ms. Kung’s work was featured in the New York Times on February 13, 2012 in the article “Denver is Urged to Hit the Sidewalks.”
Steven Higashide is Senior Program Analyst at TransitCenter, a national foundation working to improve public transit and urban mobility across America. He manages TransitCenter’s national opinion research. Steven’s background spans local, state, and federal transportation policy. He has watchdogged state budgets, organized walk audits and helped pass “vulnerable road user” legislation in Connecticut, and coordinated efforts to improve federal transportation legislation. His commentary has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Hartford Courant, Planning & Environmental Law, Next City, and more. He holds a B.A. from New York University and a Masters in Urban Planning from NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.
Addison Pollock is the Coordinator of the Indiana Citizens’ Alliance for Transit (ICAT) with Health by Design – a coalition of partners working to ensure that Indiana communities have neighborhoods, public spaces and transportation infrastructure that promote physical activity and healthy living. His professional interests include comprehensive community development and related policy at the local and state levels. Addison received his Masters of Public Affairs from Indiana University – Bloomington.
We are grateful to the Centers for Disease Control, American Public Health Association, and Every Body Walk! Collaborative for sponsoring this program.