Harrisonburg & Rockingham Bike-Walk Summit
Making our region more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
2024 Summit Details
- Where: The Loft at Liberty St. (Next to Magpie Diner in downtown Harrisonburg)
- When: Friday, April 12
- Food: Breakfast and Lunch will be provided but you must RSVP if you plan to attend
Our Keynote Speaker For the 2024 Summit
Ryan Hale
FOUNDER AND CEO
Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is my home and I have lived here for over 30 years. My wife, a Rogers, Arkansas native, and I have chosen to put our roots down and raise our children in this wonderful area. I spent 5.5 years as a staff member of the Walton Family Foundation, helping plan and grow NWA’s extensive network of bike and pedestrian infrastructure. During my time at the Foundation, I oversaw the approval and administration of grants concentrated in NWA, with a primary focus on bike and pedestrian infrastructure. From the development of the Razorback Regional Greenway to the Back 40 mountain biking trail system and the redevelopment of Lake Atalanta, I played an instrumental role in shepherding these projects to completion. In the process, I have developed some lifelong relationships with partners who are committed to strengthening our community. I have seen first-hand how investments focused on active mobility can transform communities. I hope to have the opportunity to meet you and work together to develop a network that can help you move people efficiently and safely.
BIO AT A GLANCE:
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Former community banker
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5+ years with the Walton Family Foundation as Lead Program Officer for the development of bike and pedestrian infrastructure in the Home Region
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Team Captain – University of Arkansas Razorbacks Football Team – 1998
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Member of New York Giants – 1999-2000; Super Bowl 35
Goals of the Summit
1. To develop relationships and partnerships between the stakeholders in the bicycle and pedestrian development in the city and county.
2. To coordinate and build on the bicycle and pedestrian efforts between the city, county, and other key stakeholders to make our region more bicycle and pedestrian friendly
3. To educate elected officials, planners and decision makers to the community, health and economic benefits of bicycling and walking.
4. To identify specific actions that are needed to make Harrisonburg and Rockingham County the Bike and Pedestrian Community of Virginia
5. To develop collaborative bike and pedestrian action steps for the coming year.