Green Action Centre and Bike to the Future invite you to join us for a local viewing of the upcoming American Trails webinar this Wednesday, Sept. 12th, and an APBP webinar on Wed, Sept. 19th. Both take place at the EcoCentre (3rd floor, 303 Portage Ave) followed by group discussion. Detailed descriptions are provided below.

The Third Mode: Connecting Greenways, Trails and Active Mobility
Wednesday, September 12th | 2:00 to 3:15 p.m. CDT

Liability: Understanding and Managing Risk
Wednesday, September 19th | 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. CDT

RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary. Hope to see you then!

cheers,
Beth
925-3772

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American Trails presents...

The Third Mode: Connecting Greenways, Trails and Active Mobility

This session will look at the latest issues and policies in planning and designing urban mobility networks and how these can best integrate with greenway and trail networks to create seamless metro-wide systems.

Communities around the globe are looking for better solutions that engage more people in traveling by bike, on foot, and other human powered modes for both transportation and recreation. In the face of an epidemic of physical inactivity, climate change, and rising energy costs, this know-how is becoming increasingly important for public health and quality of life. These improvements are increasingly recognized as essential for communities to be competitive as places to live and to attract new businesses.

This session will look at the latest issues and policies in the planning and design of urban mobility networks and how these can best integrate with greenway and trail networks to create seamless metro-wide systems. The webinar will provide participants with a chance to see how the trails and active transportation movement can be seen as part of larger cultural trends. We will also look at the current funding environment in the face of the new MAP-21 federal legislation and how to best navigate change. .

About The Third Mode, by Jeff Olson

Walking and bicycling are metaphors. While they are unique forms of mobility, they can also be thought of together to represent a “third mode” of transportation that is as important as highways and mass transit. This mode of transport, and the kind of change that is required to integrate it into our modern world, symbolizes a different perspective on our way of thinking. If you can understand why non-motorized mobility is important for transportation, you can also see how other problems could be resolved with similar thinking. This thought process is called the Third Mode, and this book describes how it can lead to a more connected, healthy, and sustainable society.

Sam Piper, an intern with Alta Planning + Design is assisting author Jeff Olson in promoting “The Third Mode: Towards a Green Society.” He is responsible for e-publishing the book and coordinating a social media campaign. Sam received a BA in Business from Saint Anselm College and is currently pursuing a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning at the State University of New York at Albany. Contact Sam with any questions regarding the book release and promotional campaign at thethirdmode@gmail.com.

Presenters for "The Third Mode: Connecting Greenways, Trails and Active Mobility":

Jeff Olson, Partner - Alta Planning + Design (Author of “The Third Mode”)
Jeff Olson is an architect and planner who has been involved in greenways, open space, active living and alternative transportation projects for more than 20 years. He has had a diverse career with experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. His unique vision and leadership ability are important assets to projects ranging from regional planning to site specific projects and programs. He is an avid bicyclist and skier who has the perspective of a parent with three young children.

Andy  Clarke, President, League of American Bicyclists
Andy Clarke is President of the League of American Bicyclists, the nation's oldest national bicycling organization founded in 1880. Andy has been the chief staff officer of the League since his appointment as Executive Director in 2004, prior to that he served as the State and Local Advocacy Director. He was also the League's Government Relations Director from 1988 to 1990. He has served variously as Chair of the Transportation Research Board's Bicycle Transportation Committee, Chair of the America Bikes Coalition, and a founding steering committee member of the Safe Routes to School National Partnership and Complete Streets Coalition. Andy is a regular bicycle commuter and recreational rider.

Bob Searns (moderator), Owner of The Greenway Team and Chair of American Trails Board