Bike Walk Ambassador ProgramWorkplace Outreach and Campaigns

Photos www.bikesbelong.org and Bike Walk Ambassador Program

Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot

• $25 million administer by Transit for Livable Communities

• Available to government agencies in Minneapolis and the surrounding 13 communities

• Demonstrate how improved walking and bicycling networks can increase rates of walking and bicycling

• Can non-motorized transportation carry a significant part of the transportation load.

Where

• Minneapolis is one of four communities nationwide to receive funding

– Columbia, Missouri

– Marin County, California

– Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota

– Sheboygan County, Wisconsin

• Minneapolis Public Works has been awarded over $7 million from NTP

– Bikeways and Bike Walk Streets

– Education and Enforcement

– Pedestrian Master Plan

– Pedestrian Improvements

Why?

• Limits are being reached in the American transportation systems

• Our focus on single car travel cannot be sustained fiscally, environmentally, or demands of population growth

• The pilot is to test if biking and walking can be a significant portion of the “transportation solution”

Opportunity to Shift Mode

• 40% of trips made each day in the Twin Cities are less than 2 miles, a10-20 minute bike ride.

• 28% of trips are less than 1 mile, a 15-20 minute walk.

• 75% trips under one mile are by car.

• If we shift trips less then a mile that is a 28% increase!

How do we compare?

• 1 % of trips in the U.S. are on a bike

• 2.8% of trips in Minneapolis are on a bike

• 18% in Denmark

• 27% in the Netherlands

• In Munster Germany 35% bike and another 25% walk and take transit

Bike Walk Ambassador Program

“It is our mission to increase biking and walking as a part of transportation in Minneapolis and its neighboring communities”

Through grassroots outreach & education we encourage people to bike more, walk more, and drive less!

Bike Walk Ambassador Program

• The Bike/Walk Twin Cities Ambassadors Started in March 2008.

• The Ambassadors provide the information and support needed promoting active transportation

• The Ambassadors are available to

– Give bike walk presentations

– Lead safety clinics , bike rides, and walks

– Host events year-round

– Assist organizations / communities to develop and reach bike walk goals.

Program Priorities

• Promote a culture of courtesy, acceptance and safety for all modes: motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians;

• Foster a social norm where walking and biking are everyday routines;

• Work with community leaders to frame program strategies, build community-based partnerships;

• Leverage existing efforts to maximize results; and

• Create a program with clear and measurable outcomes.

Target Audiences

• Area of Minneapolis and its adjoining communities as a whole with special attention to the following target audiences:– Populations where bicycling and walking rates are most

likely to increase• People who live in, work in, and frequent bikeable & walkable

communities• Recreational cyclists and walkers.

– Communities of color

– Immigrant communities

Year One

• Creating broad ownership through steering committee,sub-committees and sub-work plans

• Strategies youth outreach, work and worship campaigns, events / volunteer and adult programs.

• Developed program methods based on research of best practices and relevant studies which are:

– Employ social marketing techniques to shifting behavior and remove barriers– Provide experiential activities and education to encourage biking and walking– Create models and resources for and with partner organizations, agencies, and

communities

• Conducted and Participated in over 150 events and trainings

Workplace Campaigns

• Bike and Walk Education, Encouragement, & Events• Workplace Focus Groups• Advise Workplace Program Development• Support Workplace Programs• Bike Walk to Work Day Competitions and Celebrations

Benefits of Active Transportation

• Improves employee health and morale

• Increases productivity and creativity

• Reduced environmental impact

• Encourages independent and sustainable communities

At your Workplace

• Assess interest, need, and opportunity

• Create a group/position to coordinate efforts to explore and promote active transportation

• Review & revise workplace and building policies and infrastructure

• Provide educational and support programs

• Incentivize & encourage active transportation

The typical trip for a bike commuter

– How far• National average length of a trip by bike is 2.5

miles one way.• Local average length of a trip by bike is 2.5 miles

one way.

– How long will it take• 20-40 minutes

– What sorts of trips are good for biking• Work, visiting friends, shopping, and going out for

entertainment or to eat!