PA Walks and Bikes: Annual Report

by Josh Karns, Executive Director of PA Walks and Bikes

PA Walks and Bikes was started in 2009 by advocates from Pittsburgh, Lebanon County, Berks County and Philadelphia who saw a need for effective state-level advocacy for pedestrian and bicyclist issues.

As Board Chair of Pennsylvania Walks and Bikes, I’m happy to share some accomplishments; and I hope you will help us succeed by renewing your membership, by donating, and by asking a friend to join.

Bike Summit: getting visibility

Over 100 bicyclists, politicians and government officials attended the first State Bike Summit in Harrisburg in 2009. This year, we expanded the event to address pedestrian needs as well. Political leaders from both parties of the state legislature spoke in support of our efforts, as did several Departmental Secretaries.

We held personal meeting with key legislators and their staff to discuss our priorities. Volunteers fanned out across the maze of offices to deliver a one-page summary of our platform to each and every member of the General Assembly.

PA Walks and Bikes also helped organize the large PA contingent at the National Bike Summit. We met with federal legislators and staff to promote Complete Streets, Safe Routes to School, and more equitable funding for pedestrian and bicyclist transportation.

Legislative: safety, texting, funding

PA Walks and Bikes helped get “safe passing” legislation introduced into the House and Senate, and we were instrumental in getting almost 40 cosponsors. We continue to meet regularly with key legislators and staff to move this bill forward.

We joined a broad coalition of transportation groups to get bicyclist- and pedestrian-specific funding on the table as part of a comprehensive funding proposal. This was presented by PA Walks and Bikes to the top state Senate leadership.

We are supporting the various bills to restrict the use of cell phones while driving, which are currently working their way through Harrisburg.

We have testified at several legislative committee hearings in support of pedestrians and bicyclists.

Safe Routes to School: the state leader

PA Walks and Bikes leads the state Safe Routes to School state network. Over 40 policy makers from all corners of the Commonwealth share plans, best practices, and ideas.

In 2009, we successfully advocated PennDOT to announce the recipients of Safe Routes to School infrastructure funding. Now, we are applying pressure to PennDOT to keep these projects moving.

Financial / Membership

Thanks to the support of people like you, we have over 250 members, plus contact information for 500 other interested parties. Last year, we were one of six organizations out of 97 applications awarded a matching Alliance for Biking and Walking Startup Grant.

In July 2009, we professionalized the organization by hiring a part-time executive director. This position was moved to a full time leader a year later. Our executive director quickly established relationships, trust and credibility while accomplishing so much publicly and behind the scenes.

Finally, tell us what you think. Are we focusing on the right issues? Are we providing you value? What do we need to do to improve?

For the Board,

Hans van Naerssen, Chair

This story originally appeared in our Fall 2010 newsletter and annual report. You can download the pdf here.

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Are you a member of PA Walks and Bikes? Join today!
We need you to join the movement. PA Walks and Bikes is working to protect the rights of pedestrians and cyclists. We envision a complete transportation system in communities across Pennsylvania with safe access for all users.