Wisconsin’s 8th Biennial Bicycle and Pedestrian Conference will focus on walking and bicycling as viable transportation options and how transportation professionals and others can be a force for creating this change in communities across the state. The two-day conference, to be held in Eau Claire, August 13-14, will feature workshops and discussions for planners and others involved in creating bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly environments.
The conference theme, “The Next 8.2 Percent,” refers to the results of a 2002 national survey showing that 1.2 percent of all trips were made by bicycles and 7 percent of all trips were made by foot, making 8.2 percent of all trips human-powered. Bicycle and pedestrian advocates hope to see that amount double in the coming years.
According to Tom Huber, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, conference participants can expect to learn about: the economic and health benefits of active transportation; keeping children safe and active through the Safe Routes to School program; “green” commuting, tourism and marketing of trail systems; how to build multi-jurisdictional trails with diverse funding sources; new concepts in regional bicycle and pedestrian system planning; designing bicycle and pedestrian facilities for large and small communities; and much more.
In addition to transportation professionals, educators, public health specialists, park and recreation managers, elected officials, planners and citizens are invited to attend. Andy Clarke, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists, will be the keynote speaker on August 13. To register, go to www.wcwrpc.org. For complete conference information, go to www.dot.wisconsin.gov/news/events/bikeped08-contacts.htm
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NOTE: This document can be viewed on the Internet at: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/news
