Getting the chance to do meaningful work, and to share it with the world, is one of the most satisfying aspects of working at the The Centre for Active Transportation (TCAT) at Clean Air Partnership. But it’s often a real challenge to fund this important work.
I was honoured that Kate Whitfield, Jennifer Juste, and my joint abstract “Short Stories in Data: Cycling Pilot Projects in Three Ontario Cities” was accepted into the Walk Bike Places program. TCAT’s research findings on the Economic Impact of Bike Lanes in Toronto’s Bloor Annex and Korea Town Neighbourhoods were impressive, leading to an evidence-based decision by the City of Toronto in 2017 for permanent bike lanes, so I knew this work would be of great interest and value to the conference participants.
Only one problem. I didn’t have a travel budget to attend.
So I was so grateful and thrilled to be one of three recipients of APBP’s 2018 Gihon Jordan Scholarship Fund. That made it possible for me to attend this fabulous conference.
Of many highlights just three are: 1) learning from mistakes of over a century ago at the autonomous vehicles super session, 2) New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell – “progress comes when you invite everybody to the table”, and 3) the sneak peak of the new AASHTO guide for bikeway design that shifts the perspective from vehicular cycling to all ages and abilities!
Outside the conference walls, New Orleans is everything I’ve heard about and more. The people are welcoming and gracious, incredible music on the streets everywhere, the food is amazing, and the heat fierce. But who knew that the cycling was so terrific? Thanks to getupnride_nola for making us fall in love with the city from the seat of a bicycle.
And thanks to APBP for making it all possible!
Cross-posted to “This Week at APBP”.