rails to trails conservancy

Dear Campaign Leader,

1. Pilot reports now available


Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration and local partners, is proud to announce the completion of the four Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) community profiles. These documents pack a strong punch, helping you make the case that your community could benefit substantially through an infusion of federal funds for improved walking and bicycling networks.

Each profile includes an overview of the pilot community’s local program, early accomplishments, project updates, promotion and education efforts, a project map, project descriptions and more. From documented increases in bicycle and pedestrian counts to innovative practices meant to encourage novice cyclists, these profiles show how the pilot communities are making waves around active transportation—and communicate clearly why such a program should be available on a comprehensive scale.

Download and print these beautiful summaries now.


2. "Transportation for a New Generation" comment period

In other news, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has released a draft five-year strategic plan, "Transportation for a New Generation." This plan truly epitomizes USDOT’s new transformative approach to federal transportation priorities. From a focus on roadway safety (including motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists) to an entire strategic goal—one of only five—prioritizing livable communities, the plan breaks new ground and sets the stage for a more walking- and bicycling-friendly America.

USDOT is accepting comments on this plan through June 15, 2010*. RTC strongly encourages you to provide comments in support of its forward-thinking initiatives to promote walking and bicycling. Examples you may consider including in your comments are listed at the end of this e-mail.


3. Lobbyist strategy session

Finally, R.S.V.P.’s have started rolling in for our lobbyist strategy session on June 23 at our national office in Washington, D.C. If your community retains a lobbyist who works with your federal delegation, it’s not too late to encourage him or her to attend this meeting, where we will strategize around building support for H.R. 4722, the Active Community Transportation Act of 2010. You can find the formal invitation to be forwarded to your lobbyist at:

http://support.railstotrails.org/lobbyist_invitation

To R.S.V.P., just ask them to visit:

http://support.railstotrails.org/lobbyist_meeting


Thank you,

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

* We believe the deadline for comments is June 15, but this date has not been absolutely confirmed.



As part of your comments on USDOT’s "Transportation for a New Generation," it may be worth noting your appreciation for:

  • The priority on "planning and building of interconnected walking and bicycling networks as well as the connections of those networks to local transit systems" (p. 51) (Sounds an awful lot like the goals of the Campaign for Active Transportation!);
  • Outcomes 1 ("Increased access to convenient and affordable transportation choices") and 3 ("Improved networks that accommodate pedestrians and bicycles") in the Livable Communities Strategic Goal (p. 45);
  • The acknowledgement of substantial health benefits to result from more walkable, bikeable environments (p. 45-47); 
  • The proposed establishment of a livability office within USDOT’s Office of the Secretary (p. 49); 
  • The explicit recognition that promoting walking and bicycling can save Americans money; and
  • The provision of technical assistance and services for communities (p. 49-51).

 

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Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
2121 Ward Ct., NW
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Washington, DC 20037
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