Submitted
Be healthy and environmentally friendly—ride a bike!
RUTLAND — In partnership with VTrans, and a number of other participating organizations and sponsors, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission and the Rutland Area Physical Activity Coalition will host the 2016 statewide Vermont Walk/Bike Summit on April 1-2 in Rutland.
The two-day Summit offers both indoor and outdoor workshops. Friday features four themes: Built Environment, Advocacy and Education, Safety Education and Enforcement, and Economic Development—with three sessions each—12 dynamic presentations in total. Sessions will highlight current and future initiatives that advance Vermont’s pedestrian and bicycle landscape. Other features include peer exchanges, a highly acclaimed keynote, vendor displays and much more. Health Commissioner Harry Chen will provide opening remarks, and Secretary of Transportation Chris Cole will moderate the opening plenary.
On Saturday, April 2, the Summit will feature mobile workshops. Participants can choose from six options, allowing them to explore the region by way of walking, hiking and biking.
As the primary sponsor of the Summit, VTrans looks forward to participating. “VTrans helped initiate the first Bike/Ped Summit with the Vermont Bike/Ped coalition,” said Transportation Secretary Chris Cole. “It’s deeply gratifying to see how participation and support has grown since that initial effort. Our support for this event matches our commitment to improving safety and access for bicyclists and pedestrians in our downtowns and on our highways. There are clear benefits for economic development and public health and we look forward to seeing what good ideas come out of this year’s summit.”
“The Green Mountain Association of Realtors® [GMAR®] is thrilled to be a part of this event. As real estate professionals, we understand the value of elements that make our communities more enjoyable for everyone. The Walk/Bike Summit strives to educate people on the benefits of low-impact transportation that returns a high value to everyone,” remarked Lisa Meyer, GMAR president.
“AARP Vermont is pleased to be part of this exciting gathering of people and organizations committed to exploring innovative ways to better serve the transportation needs of all Vermonters,” said Kelly Stoddard-Poor of AARP Vermont. “We are fortunate to be in a state where transportation and mobility concerns are such a high priority.”
Statewide, much is being done to facilitate the advancement of bicycling and pedestrian initiatives that strengthen Vermont’s transportation infrastructure. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont is involved in numerous events and programs that encourage and promote a focus on wellness in the everyday lives of Vermonters. “We are so excited to be involved once again in the Vermont Walk/Bike Summit,” said Megan Peek, Community Relations Manager for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont. “We support this event as part of our commitment to the health of Vermonters. The great thing about walking and biking is that many of us can do one or both of these activities easily. We think the summit provides an excellent opportunity to build physical activity into our daily lives.”
To learn more about the Walk/Bike Summit and register for the event, visit walkbikesummitvt.com.
