Writing about Active Transportation is made far easier when you have access to information and research you can trust. One of those places is the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (VTPI) headed up by Todd Litman. The VTPI has regular newsletters but you have to sign up for them. We wanted to give you a sample from the last newsletter and encourage you to vtpi.org and sign up for them. VTPI NEWS Summer 2016 Vol. 16, No. 2
Victoria Transport Policy Institute "Efficiency - Equity - Clarity" ----------------------------------- The Victoria Transport Policy Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to developing innovative solutions to transportation problems. The VTPI website (http://www.vtpi.org ) has many resources addressing a wide range of transport planning and policy issues. VTPI also provides consulting services. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NEW REPORTS =================== "Urban Sanity: Understanding Urban Mental Health Impacts and How to Create Saner, Happier Cities" (http://www.vtpi.org/urban-sanity.pdf ) This report examines how urban living affects residents' mental health and happiness, and ways to use this information to create saner and happier cities. Some often-cited studies suggest that urban living increases mental illness and unhappiness, but a critical review indicates that much of this research is incomplete and biased, and the issues are complex, involving trade-offs between risk factors. This report examines specific mechanisms by which urban living can affect mental health and happiness, and identities practical strategies that communities and individuals can use to increase their urban mental health and happiness. This analysis suggests that it is possible to create sane and happy cities. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ USEFUL RESOURCES (NOTE: We've included only the first 5 from this section) ================= "World Cities Report 2016" (http://wcr.unhabitat.org ). This United Nations HABITAT program report indicates that the current urbanization model is in many ways unsustainable; new approaches are needed to better respond to challenges such as inequality, climate change, insecurity, and inefficient urban expansion. "America’s Walking Renaissance" (http://americawalks.org/americas-walking-renaissance ). This report by America Walks describes the many benefits of walking and how local organizations and governments in diverse communities have improved walking conditions and encouraged walking activity. "Cities Alive: Towards a Walking World" (http://www.arup.com/walking ). This beautiful report by Arup, one of the world’s largest engineering firms, highlights the significant social, economic, environmental and political benefits of walking; lists 40 actions that cities can apply to improve walking conditions and encourage walking activity; and includes a catalogue of 80 international case studies to inspire action. "Pursuing Equity in Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning" (http://bit.ly/2agJcha ). This new report examines the travel demands of traditionally underserved populations (low income, minority, older adults, people with disabilities, etc.), and how pedestrian and bicycle planning can better serve those groups. "Portland’s Drop in Car Use Frees Up $138 Million in our Local Economy Every Year" (http://bit.ly/2cdckIH ). This Bike Portland report describes an important but often-overlooked benefit of more affordable transportation: more money circulating in the local economy. For more information see "The Mobility-Productivity Paradox" (http://www.vtpi.org/ITED_paradox.pdf )
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May 2018
Kerry CarlsonKerry is happiest when she's out of her car and on her bicycle. As a community physiotherapist, she'd love to see more people of all ages engaging in an active lifestyle by walking and bicycling to where they need to go! Bruce MolBruce keeps active by walking and running in the Vernon area. When not on foot you can often see him on bicycle, with his trailer, shopping locally or taking his recycling to the depot. Bruce has also been a CAN-BIKE bicycling skills instructor for over 20 years. See www.gonecycling.com |