Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition (SVBC) in partnership with the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Metropolitan Planning Organization, James Madison University, City of Harrisonburg, and Rockingham County hosted another great Bike-Walk Summit on September 20, 2013!
JMU President Jon Alger kicked off the day sharing the University’s interest in biking and walking issues, and expressed the desire of JMU contributing to a more livable community, one which is intentional about improving the quality of life. President Alger was followed by a video message from Virginia Senator Mark Warner, and then by Bill Nesper, Vice President of Programs from the League of American Bicyclists.
Bill Nesper said:
“This area (Harrisonburg-Rockingham County) is really special, it has all the ingredients, to building a great bicycle friendly region. Two universities, IMBA ride center, great road riding,… It is very special to have such a big team making these choices to make a ‘great’ place.”
He also pointed to some economic reasons for communities to support biking and walking infrastructure: protected bike lanes in Manhattan increased retail sales in local businesses; in many areas home values increase as their proximity to walking and biking trails and paths decreases.
The day continued with facilitated work sessions where participants identified what still needs to be done to be able to call Harrisonburg and Rockingham County the most pedestrian and biking responsive-community in the state. Participants represented a broad spectrum of interests and organizations including, but not limited to, local universities, local Parks & Recreation Departments, local elected officials, Public Works and VDOT, local bike shops, public safety and police departments, and public schools.
The JMU Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue (ICAD) prepared a wonderful summary and full report of the Summit, and Summit Action Plans and Priorities where YOU can collaborate with others to making our area more biking and walking friendly. If you only have time to look at one document on the website, take a look at the 2013 Summit Program’s Year In Review, which lists all of the wonderful work by SVBC, the City, County, schools, etc. in the last 12 months. It’s quite amazing to see all of the wonderful work so many people are doing!
2013 Downloads:
- 2013 Summit Program, with Year In Review**
- Summit Executive Summary
- Summit Full Report
- Summit Action Plans and Priorities Google Doc for collaboration
- Year In Review Presentation Part 1 (view presentation notes by clicking comment bubble in top left)
- Year In Review Presentation Part 2 (view presentation notes by clicking comment bubble in top left)
- Why Are Biking and Walking Important? by Bill Nesper, VP of Programs, League of American Bicyclists
More information at: svbcoalition.org/bike-walk-summit/
