Bicycle and Pedestrian Conference to Address Energy Costs, Public Health
July 24, 2008
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
http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/news/events/bikeped08-welcome.htm.
For more information, contact:
Tom Huber, WisDOT Bureau of Planning and Economic Development
(608) 267-7757,
thomas.huber@dot.state.wi.us
Renee Callaway, WisDOT Safe Routes to School Coordinator
(608) 266-3973,
renee.callaway@dot.state.wi.us
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