The 2011 New Jersey Bike/Walk Summit was held on Saturday, February 26, 2011, in Trenton, NJ. Our second annual statewide meeting of advocates, elected officials, planners and citizens interested in making our state a better place to live was a great success.
Please click here to see the full 2011 Bike Walk Summit Program.
Keynote speaker, John Pucher, Professor of Urban Planning and Policy Development and Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center Research Associate at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy of Rutgers University, focused his remarks on the health, safety and obesity of cyclists and walkers in the United States, drawing comparisons to international examples. He pointed out how far ahead Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands are in providing cycling and pedestrian safety and access. To view the presentation, please see: Walking and Cycling for All New Jerseyans.
The morning began with coffee and bagels, generously provided by the Bicycle Hub of Marlboro.
Peter Bilton, principal at Civic Eye Collaborative, facilitated the morning session, “Using Community Events as a Catalyst for Change.” Panelist Rich Everill described the community bike share program in Collingswood. Kendra Arnold of Bike Morristown, regaled the crowd with stories of critical mass rides in Morristown, and creative ways to engage new bicyclists. Laura Torchio spoke about Bike & Walk Montclair, inspiring attendees with their successes.
Sharon Roerty, National Center for Biking and Walking, and Leigh Ann Von Hagen, Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center, discussed “Increasing Physical Activity through Community Design,” highlighting the benefits of active living and showcasing existing programs that participants could consider.
The final session, “Follow the Money – Maximizing Federal Transportation Aid Programs for Bicycling & Walking” featured three great panelists, Jeff Peel, League of American Bicyclists, Sheree Davis, New Jersey Department of Transportation and Elizabeth Thompson, North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority.
- Representatives from REI participated in a check presentation, continuing their support for the NJ Bike School.
The event concluded with optional bike and walking tours of Trenton, led by local advocates from Trenton Cycling Revolution.
