Committee backs development of active-transportation education and schedules mobile tours

WFRC staff discussed two outreach and capacity-building initiatives at the Jan. 15, 2025 Active Transportation Committee meeting: an active-transportation education course for elected officials and stakeholders, and the Mobile Active Transportation Tours (MATs) that take participants to peer cities.

Huw Van Wagenen and WFRC staff said the proposed education course would be modular, covering topics that help elected officials and community leaders understand terminology, safety, economics, public health, and how to communicate about active-transportation investments. Committee members recommended modular formats so officials can select units relevant to their priorities, including sessions on economic impacts, public safety, and health benefits. One participant recommended making materials available to business associations and chambers of commerce to convey economic benefits, such as property-value and local-business impacts.

WFRC staff and Bike Utah described MATs as 2-day, 2-night peer-city study tours. The committee previewed a planned trip to New Jersey and a tentative 2026 trip to Colorado (Boulder and Fort Collins). Cost estimates for the New Jersey MAT were approximately $900 per participant; the committee was encouraged to budget for participation in future MATs. Staff said MATs have historically included a mix of elected officials and staff, and participants reported learning new approaches even when already experienced in active-transportation work.

Ending: Staff will refine education topics and module design, share course outlines and timelines, and circulate MAT logistics and registration materials.