March Highlights
Dear Reader,
Right now we are in the heat of Congressional battles on the future of transportation in America. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood called the House bill the worst bill I’ve ever seen. America Walks, as part of a national coalition of advocacy organizations, has successfully demanded that walking and bicycling programs be put back into the bill. But the fight is not over; we are working to save the Recreational Trails Program and pass the bill.
On the state and local front, I am proud to announce the release of our two new resources from America Walks about automobile speeds and solutions:
 We know that speed impacts safety and livability; but there are very few resources available to help local communities navigate the challenging process to reduce auto speeds in their neighborhoods. These two papers will provide support in helping communities reclaim their streets, allowing children, families and aging adults to walk safely. Find our press release here.
Thank you to the sponsors and donors that support America Walks. Please consider making your financial contribution to advance our collective efforts to make America a great place to walk!
Sincerely,
Scott Bricker, Executive Director |
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| Register Here for the March 14 Walking Action Conference Call – Engaging Pedestrians in the Planning Process
When it comes to transportation issues, the public process often attracts a small cadre of usual suspects. Pedestrians may not identify as an interest group and some are not comfortable speaking up at public meetings. We often don’t hear from folks who do not speak English as a first language.
During this call, you will learn about emerging models that shift this paradigm. Advocates from WalkBoston, the YMCA and the City of Louisville will participate in the upcoming discussion hosted by America Walks and Alliance for Biking and Walking. Join us for our Mutual Aid Call "Adding Voices to the Discussion: Engaging Pedestrians in the Planning Process" on Wednesday, March 14, at 2 p.m. Eastern.
There is no charge for participating in this call. |
| Steven Hooker PhD Joins America Walks Board of Directors
 Dr. Hooker is currently Professor and Senior Sustainability Scientist in the Exercise & Wellness Program at Arizona State University, where he received his Ph.D. His research explores the impact of the built environment on physical activity behavior (particularly walking and biking), including evaluating the impact parks, playgrounds, trails, streets, and other community features have on physical activity for persons of all ages and in diverse settings (e.g., urban, rural, low income areas, racial/ethnic minority neighborhoods). He previously served as Chief of the Physical Activity and Health Initiative for the California Department of Health Services, as well as Director of the Prevention Research Center at the University of South Carolina.
Dr. Hooker also brings his experience working with senior walkability issues, community-based public health programs and pedestrian and bicycle coalitions. He says, "I view America Walks as the leader in pedestrian and walking advocacy in the U.S. They are well positioned to make a significant impact on national, state and local policies and programs that support walking for all abilities and ages. My research, practice and service experience, expertise, and interests align closely with America Walks’ mission and goals." |
| America Walks on Active Transportation Expert Panel
The America Walks Federal Policy Platform , Core Policy #2 is to "develop performance measures and improve data collection and measurement of walking/walkability." Therefore, we were pleased to attend a two-day Active Transportation Expert Panel, hosted by the Centers for Disease Control. At this meeting, experts in the measurement of active transportation discussed ways to advance the cooperation of fields/organizations that measure active transportation. America Walks was one of only three national advocacy organizations invited to the meeting that yielded many ideas and hopefully important national coordination and leadership on improving data collection for walking. Thank you PolicyLink and Convergence Partnership for supporting America Walks to attend this important event. |
| America Walks Will Lead Session at Weight of the Nation Conference
Join America Walks at Weight of the Nation Conference on May 7-9, 2012 in Washington D.C. This conference, hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, is designed to provide a forum to highlight progress in the prevention and control of obesity through policy and environmental strategies. America Walks is excited to be leading a Transportation and Built Environment training session. We hope to see you there. |
| Thank You to Our 2011/2012 Sponsors and Contributors
America Walks is able to make great strides and now can make a deep footprint in Washington, DC, due to our committed sponsors and contributors. While hundreds of you made financial and in-kind contributions, we’d like to recognize foundations, businesses, and organizations who made significant contributions:
Thanks to: Kaiser Permanente Foundation, AARP, Centers for Disease Control, MIG, Inc., Active Living Research, Mrs. Neill Miller Family Foundation, Swanson Thomas and Coon, SGE Endeavors, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, American Traffic Solutions, Fehr & Peers, Alta Planning + Design, Eco-Counter, America Bikes, Alliance for Biking & Walking, PedNet, WalkSanDiego, APHA, APBP, PolicyLink, Convergence Partnership, Bricker Consulting, California Walks, WalkSanDiego, Feet First, Eisen l Letunic, findmyaccident, Russell Fellows Development, Spot Devices, Plastic Safety Systems, TVA Architects and W-Trans. |
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America Walks PO Box 10581 Portland, Oregon 97296 703.738.4889 |
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Safe Routes to School 