BikeWalkNC

North Carolina’s advocate for safe cycling and walking

Profile

Featured Summit Speaker: Anna Zivarts

Anna Zivarts is a low-vision parent, nondriver and author of When Driving Is Not an Option: Steering Away from Car Dependency (Island Press, 2024). She directs the Disability Mobility Initiative at Disability Rights Washington, where she organizes to bring the voices of nondrivers to the planning and policy-making tables. Anna sits on the board of the League of American Bicyclists and serves as a member of the Transportation Research Board’s Committee on Public Health and Transportation, and helped to launch the national “Week Without Driving” challenge, which runs from September 30 to October 6 this year. 

In her book, Anna notes that one third of people living in the United States do not have a driver’s license. Many of the involuntary nondrivers are disabled, lower income, unhoused, formerly incarcerated, undocumented immigrants, kids, young people, and the elderly. We are also largely invisible due to a mobility system designed almost exclusively for drivers. 

Zivarts explains that when the needs of involuntary nondrivers are viewed as essential to how we design our transportation systems and our communities, not only will we be able to more easily get where we need to go, but the changes will lead to healthier, climate-friendly communities for everyone. To inspire action, Zivarts demonstrates how communities across the United States are using the Week Without Driving challenge to build consensus around the urgent need for more inclusive and accessible transportation and communities.

Registration for the Summit opened May 27!

Are you or your organization interested in helping to support this year’s NC BikeWalk Transportation Summit? Sponsoring is a way to show your support for clean, healthy, active transportation, and safe roads for all users. It is also a visible way of showing that your organization is interested in the health, vitality, and equity able and economic benefits that communities designed to support active transportation reflect.

More information can be found in our online sponsorship package available HERE or on our sponsorship registration page HERE.

We look forward to seeing you in Chapel Hill in September!

Kylie Robinson, BikeWalk NC’s new Community Outreach Coordinator

Hey there! I’m Kylie Robinson, originally from Northern Virginia and now calling Raleigh home after a stint in Asheville, NC. I graduated from George Mason University with a BFA in Art & Visual Technology, where I really got into the nitty-gritty of creativity and digital marketing.

During college, I dove headfirst into the digital world as a marketing intern, learning how to use online platforms to connect and engage with people. After graduation, I spent two rewarding years at MemoryCare, a small nonprofit in Asheville, where I focused on outreach and fundraising support. It was there that I saw firsthand how powerful communication can be in making a difference.

Outside of work, you can find me with a camera in hand, capturing moments, or out in nature, hiking, camping, and running. I’m also a die-hard fan of DC sports teams – there’s nothing quite like cheering them on.

I’m deeply passionate about using language and communication as tools for positive change. My goal is to continue combining my skills with my desire to help others, driving initiatives that make a real impact in our communities.

BikeWalk NC Welcomes Two Interns From Davidson College

BikeWalk NC will once again be working with the Davidson College and their Sustainability Scholars Program to provide two interns with hands on experience within a sustainably focused nonprofit organization.

Sustainability Scholars come from varying majors, class years, and focused areas of study.  Each is placed with a private, public, or nonprofit community institution to focus on a discrete project during the summer.

Please join us in welcoming Lincoln and Naomi.

My name is Lincoln Hayes and I am a student and Sustainability Scholar at Davidson College. Throughout the summer I will be working with BikeWalkNC by providing funding overviews and social media management services. I wanted to work with BikeWalk because I strongly identify with its mission to promote equity and safety through efforts toward complete street concepts. Outside of work, I enjoy biking, reading, and everything to do with music!

My name is Naomi Janis, and I am from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am a rising junior at Davidson College, majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Philosophy. At Davidson, I am involved with the Jewish Student Union and the college radio station, Walt 1610. I also enjoy playing the piano, running, and thrifting. I am excited to work with BikeWalkNC this summer and gain hands-on experience in sustainability, particularly in promoting sustainable transportation and learning about policies that foster safer, more accessible communities. I also have an interest in urban planning making this opportunity especially meaningful, as it allows me to explore how design and infrastructure can enhance quality of life and environmental sustainability.

Featured Summit Speaker: Ryan Sharp

Ryan Sharp has served as the Director of Transportation and Parking for the City of Hoboken since 2017. He is responsible for the safe, equitable, and efficient operation of Hoboken’s surface transportation systems. Ryan oversees Hoboken’s award-winning Complete Streets and Vision Zero Programs, which have received national acclaim after seven consecutive years without a traffic death. Ryan is also responsible for Hoboken’s shared mobility programs and green transportation initiatives, such as bike share, car share, local public transit, and the buildout of New Jersey’s largest public on-street EV charging network. Ryan also oversees Hoboken’s Parking Utility, which generates over $22 million annually in revenue and is responsible for curbside management, maintenance and operation of municipal parking facilities, permit parking, and more.

Registration for the Summit opens May 27!

We will continue to share information through email and social media as more details are finalized. You can also check in at the BikeWalk NC’s 2024 Summit webpage for periodic updates. We are planning a ride for Sunday, Sept. 22, and walk audits, as well as the Traffic Bicycling Workshop, on Tuesday the 23, plus some cool social events.

If you are planning to attend and looking for accommodations, information about the venue and nearby lodging can be found here.

Are you or your organization interested in helping to support this year’s NC BikeWalk Transportation Summit? Sponsoring is a way to show your support for clean, healthy, active transportation, and safe roads for all users. It is also a visible way of showing that your organization is interested in the health, vitality, and equity able and economic benefits that communities designed to support active transportation reflect.

More information can be found in our online sponsorship package available HERE or on our sponsorship registration page HERE.

We look forward to seeing you in Chapel Hill in September!

Featured Summit Speaker: Barkha Patel

Barkha R Patel is Director of Infrastructure for the City of Jersey City, NJ, one of the most densely-populated, transit-rich, and ethnically diverse cities in the US. She oversees the planning, design, and implementation of the City’s critical public infrastructure including all municipal streets, transit, parks, public spaces, buildings, and other public facilities. She serves as a senior advisor to the Mayor and leads the City’s Architecture, Engineering, Transportation, Sustainability, and Innovation agencies.

As a public official and advocate, Barkha’s work is rooted in a commitment to justice, equity, and smart growth. She is responsible for the development and implementation of many of Jersey City’s most transformational initiatives including the City’s first Vision Zero and Climate Action plans, first on-demand microtransit system, a robust network of protected bikeways and safe streets, a renowned plaza program, innovative parks and public spaces, and a number of award-winning placemaking projects. As her portfolio expands, she is currently exploring ways to infuse joy and dignity into the public realm through meaningful infrastructure improvements.

Barkha previously served as Jersey City’s Deputy City Manager and Director of Transportation, and earned a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from the Bloustein School at Rutgers University.

Registration for the Summit opens May 27!

We will continue to share information through email and social media as more details are finalized. You can also check in at the BikeWalk NC’s 2024 Summit webpage for periodic updates. We are planning a ride for Sunday, Sept. 22, and walk audits, as well as the Traffic Bicycling Workshop, on Tuesday the 23, plus some cool social events.

If you are planning to attend and looking for accommodations, information about the venue and nearby lodging can be found here.

Are you or your organization interested in helping to support this year’s NC BikeWalk Transportation Summit? Sponsoring is a way to show your support for clean, healthy, active transportation, and safe roads for all users. It is also a visible way of showing that your organization is interested in the health, vitality, and equity able and economic benefits that communities designed to support active transportation reflect.

More information can be found in our online sponsorship package available HERE or on our sponsorship registration page HERE.

We look forward to seeing you in Chapel Hill in September!

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