A new roundup of Walkability Wins. This week we’re showcasing the movement by highlighting more places across the country advancing pedestrian-friendly agendas.
Alachua County, FL
The Alachua County commissioners voted to approve an inter-local agreement with the City of Gainesville and University of Florida to develop a pedestrian safety master plan. They are working to improve pedestrian safety across the county, including unincorporated areas. The leaders will look to identify network features for biking and walking, policies, prioritization of projects, and funding.
Hawai’i
Hawai’i State Legislature passed an ambitious Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Bill HB600. This bill is the culmination of years of work by the Hawai’i Safe Routes Coalition to update the SRTS statues for the first time in a decade and includes $20 million over 2 years. The bill also clarifies special fund administration, creates an external advisory group to oversee the special fund and calls a committee to develop a statewide SRTS Plan.
Connecticut
A Vision Zero Bill that is aimed to curb pedestrian fatalities in Connecticut has advanced to the state legislature. The bill, if it passes the legislature, would require and allow new traffic safety regulations, such as red light and speed cameras. Cities and towns would be required to submit street safety plans, such as safety classes on driving habits and pedestrian skills for public school students.
Georgia
Georgia Bikes and the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) are partnering to develop and implement a Rural Statewide Active Transportation plan. This comes from a $2.4 million Federal Highway Administration Transportation Alternatives award, along with $600,000 in GDOT matching funds. The plan will aim to address the disproportionate number of fatalities and injuries among walking and biking.
STATE WALKING COLLEGE
New Mexico
AARP New Mexico and America Walks have partnered to offer a fellowship program for people interested in advocating to make their communities more walkable. Maria Tsethlikai, of Jemez Pueblo, is a current Walking College Fellow and leading the Environmental Health Program. Maria is working on pedestrian safety efforts in her community.
Georgia
Carolyn Hartfield was a 2021 Georgia State Walking College Fellow, a 2022 Georgia State Walking College Mentor, and the Founder of JUST WALK, a Walk With A Doc program. Carol was featured on Good Morning America! Watch her story here.
To catch up on previous installments of Walkability Wins, visit our blog. Have a win? Send it to us: social@americawalks.org.
