BikeWalkNC

The NC BikeWalk Summit brings together advocates, planners, and community leaders from across the state to share ideas, celebrate progress, and push forward the mission of safer, more connected communities. This year’s summit featured inspiring stories from five organizations making real change across North Carolina through active transportation initiatives.

In this session, representatives from Asheville on Bikes, Fairview Habitat for Humanity, Major Taylor Cycling Club of NC, Friends of the Ecusta Trail, and Three Wheel Therapy share their experiences, successes, and challenges. Each organization offers unique insights into how local efforts are transforming communities, proving that grassroots initiatives can have lasting, meaningful impacts.

Featured Organizations:

• Asheville on Bikes: Demonstrating how consistent advocacy and community engagement have led to a more robust bike network in Asheville, improving mobility and sustainability.
• Fairview Habitat for Humanity: Sharing how active transportation is integrated into affordable housing developments, ensuring that residents have safe, walkable access to essential services.
• Major Taylor Cycling Club of NC: Highlighting their efforts to make cycling more inclusive by providing opportunities for underrepresented communities to get involved and feel a sense of belonging.
• Friends of the Ecusta Trail: Showcasing their initiative to turn an abandoned rail corridor into a multi-use trail that promotes health, tourism, and environmental stewardship in western North Carolina.
• Three Wheel Therapy: Focusing on the therapeutic benefits of cycling, this organization shows how biking programs can foster mental and physical well-being while building community connections.

This session offers valuable insights for transportation advocates, planners, and community leaders looking to drive meaningful change in their own communities. You’ll walk away inspired and equipped with practical ideas to support safe and equitable transportation in your area.

On September 23, the NC BikeWalk Summit brought together experts, advocates, and policymakers to discuss the future of transportation in North Carolina. One of the sessions highlighted the critical need for accessible transportation options for those who cannot drive due to disability, age, or other factors.

In this important session, disability rights advocate Anna Zivarts leads a thoughtful discussion on creating transportation systems that work for all members of our communities.

With a focus on inclusive planning, Anna highlights the need for policies and infrastructure that prioritize the diverse mobility needs of people who cannot rely on driving. Whether you’re a transportation planner, advocate, or policymaker, this session provides valuable insights into how we can build a more equitable and accessible transportation system.

Anna offers actionable steps on addressing barriers to transportation, promoting inclusive planning, and designing accessible infrastructure that ensures everyone can move around safely and efficiently. Her advocacy underscores the importance of considering all mobility needs when planning transportation systems, so that no one is left behind.

If you’re committed to building an inclusive transportation system, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

On September 23, the NC BikeWalk Summit brought together experts, advocates, and policymakers to discuss the future of transportation in North Carolina. One of the sessions from the event focused on the growing role of micromobility and e-scooters in urban mobility.

Presented by Laura Sandt and Emma Vinella-Brusher, this session dives deep into the opportunities and challenges that come with integrating micromobility options into our cities. For those who couldn’t attend, we’re excited to offer access to this insightful discussion on our YouTube Channel.

Laura and Emma bring years of experience in transportation planning and policy, providing an in-depth look at how e-scooters and other micromobility solutions are reshaping urban transportation systems. Whether you’re a city planner, policymaker, or transportation advocate, this session provides essential strategies to help navigate the evolving landscape of micromobility.

Session Highlights:

Opportunities for Growth: Learn how micromobility options, like e-scooters, can fill the gaps in transportation networks, offering affordable and sustainable options for urban travel, particularly for last-mile connectivity.

Safety Implications: Discover key insights on how cities can address safety concerns for both riders and pedestrians, including infrastructure design, education, and policy adjustments to promote responsible use.

Regulatory Considerations: Explore the regulatory challenges surrounding micromobility, from balancing innovation with safety to navigating the complexities of permitting and enforcement in urban areas.

Impact on Urban Mobility: Understand the broader impact of e-scooters and other micromobility solutions on traffic congestion, environmental sustainability, and public health, as well as their potential to complement traditional public transit systems.

Key Takeaways: This session highlights the growing importance of micromobility in shaping the future of urban transportation. Laura Sandt and Emma Vinella-Brusher offer actionable insights into how cities can harness the potential of e-scooters while addressing key challenges related to safety, regulation, and public acceptance.

If you’re interested in the future of urban transportation, this is a session you won’t want to miss!