In this issue:
The program update provides information related to the Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Recreational Trails Program (RTP) and Transportation Enhancement (TE) Activities.
Disclaimer: Links and references to agencies and organizations outside the U.S. Department of Transportation are provided for information purposes only, and reflect the views of those agencies and organizations. Providing links and references to these resources does not represent endorsement by the U.S. Department of Transportation or the Federal Highway Administration.
FHWA Every Day Counts Initiative
Every Day Counts (EDC) is an effort announced by Federal Highway Administrator Victor Mendez to cut project delivery time and speed the implementation of new transportation technologies. The initiative will "identify and deploy innovation aimed at shortening project delivery, enhancing the safety of our roadways, and protecting the environment." See www.fhwa.dot.gov/innovation/everydaycounts/.
FHWA Policy on Permissible Project Related Activities During the NEPA Process
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a Directive, FHWA Order 6640.1A - Preliminary Design, entitled FHWA Policy on Permissible Project Related Activities During the NEPA Process (PDF, 274 KB). This Directive clarifies what is meant by preliminary engineering that may take place prior to NEPA [National Environmental Policy Act] approval.
This Directive does not authorize donations of preliminary engineering services made prior to project authorization (obligation in FHWA's Fiscal Management Information System) for Federal-aid highway projects.
Exception: The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) has statutory authority to allow planning and environmental costs prior to project authorization to be credited as a donation (see RTP Guidance). Project-specific preliminary engineering costs, as defined in FHWA Order 6640.1A, are reasonable costs within RTP planning and environmental compliance costs.
Power-Driven Mobility Devices
On March 15, 2011, Department of Justice (DOJ) revised rules go into effect allowing "other power-driven mobility devices" to be used by individuals with mobility disabilities. See the DOJ rule. American Trails posted a summary explaining what this means for sidewalks, trails, and shared use paths: www.americantrails.org/enewsletter/accessible_Jan_2011.html. TE Managers, RTP Administrators, and trail managers should become familiar with this new rule.
Program to Help Small Businesses Participate in Transportation Programs
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a final rulemaking to help economically and socially disadvantaged businesses take advantage of opportunities to participate in federally funded highway, transit, and airport projects. The final rule will also hold States and local agencies more accountable for including disadvantaged businesses in their transportation plans.
Many projects bid out for contracts under the RTP and the Transportation Enhancement (TE) activities are likely to be within the range for which many small and disadvantaged business enterprises are qualified, and in which they might be interested in bidding either as prime contractors or as subcontractors.
State Historic Preservation Office Project Costs
The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) issued a legal opinion on existing authorities that allow Federal agencies to include as eligible project costs amounts paid to a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to assist the agency in carrying out its responsibilities under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), as amended. The opinion interprets the provisions of Section 110(g) of the NHPA and indicates its broad availability to Federal agencies that determine such assistance would advance the goals of the Section 106 process. See www.achp.gov/docs/LegalOpinionFederalFundingforStates.pdf.
America's Great Outdoors Initiative
The America's Great Outdoors Initiative final report was expected to be released in November 2010, but is now expected for the middle of February 2011.
The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), which authorized Federal surface transportation programs, expired on September 30, 2009. Extension #6 extended SAFETEA-LU through March 4, 2011.
The Future of Trails in Federal Transportation Funding. Presentation by Eric B. Beightel, U. S. Department of Transportation, Office of Transportation Policy, National Trails Symposium, November 16, 2010.
FY 2011 Apportionments
FHWA issued Notice N4510.731, Apportionment of Funds for the Period Beginning on October 1, 2010, and Ending on March 4, 2011, Pursuant to the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2010, as Amended. This Notice has initial FY 2011 apportionments through March 4, 2011. It does not have apportionments for the TE activities because final TE figures cannot be calculated until a full year authorization has been enacted. See FHWA Notices, including apportionments, rescissions, and directives, at www.fhwa.dot.gov/legsregs/directives/. Click on 
for the most recent Notices.
FHWA updated the RTP and TE apportionment and obligation tables, to the extent feasible.
The National Center for Bicycling and Walking's CenterLines newsletter often has announcements about grant opportunities.
Recreational Trails Program Achievement Awards: The Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT) will announce its 2011 Annual Achievement Awards in recognition of the outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds in June 2011, during the annual Great Outdoors Week celebration. The 2011 application deadline is March 31, 2011.
Exemplary Human Environment Initiatives and Exemplary Ecosystems Initiatives: FHWA's Exemplary Human Environment Initiatives (EHEI) and Exemplary Ecosystems Initiatives (EEI) recognize and publicize transportation initiatives that make our transportation system work better for the people who use it. See EHEI initiatives at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/ehei/. FHWA will seek the 2011 nominations in Spring 2011.
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) launched Walk Friendly Communities (WFC), a national recognition program to encourage towns and cities across the United States to establish or recommit to a high priority for safe walking. The WFC program will recognize communities that are working to improve a wide range of conditions related to walking, including safety, mobility, access, and comfort. The application process will open on May 1, 2011. Communities can use the Walk Friendly Communities assessment tool to get familiar with the program and begin preparing their responses. See www.walkfriendly.org.
The Urban Land Institute will accept applications for the ULI Amanda Burden Urban Open Space Award through February 18, 2011. This award celebrates and promotes vibrant, successful urban open spaces by annually recognizing and rewarding an outstanding example of a public destination that has enriched and revitalized its surrounding community.
American Trails announced its 2010 National Trail Awards at the National Trails Symposium in November 2010. See www.americantrails.org/2010/awards.html.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified transportation policies that can have an impact on health. The CDC supports strategies that can provide a balanced portfolio of transportation choices that supports health and reduces health care costs. See www.cdc.gov/transportation/recommendation.htm. The CDC also has information on:
Physical Activity Plans: www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/
Overweight and Obesity: www.cdc.gov/obesity/. In particular, see:
www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/CDC_Healthy_Communities.ppt
www.cdc.gov/obesity/downloads/community_strategies_guide.pdf
Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program Reports: The Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP) provided $25 million each to four communities: Columbia, MO; Marin County, CA; Minneapolis Area, MN; and Sheboygan County, WI; to demonstrate how improved walking and bicycling networks can increase rates of walking and bicycling. See program updates at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/ntpp/.
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety and Mobility in Europe. The FHWA, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) sponsored a scanning study of five European countries to identify and assess effective approaches to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety and mobility..
FHWA Roundabouts Reports: FHWA published updated information about Roundabouts at http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/innovative/roundabouts/. Roundabouts are designed to meet the needs of all road users-drivers, pedestrians, pedestrians with disabilities, and bicyclists. A roundabout eliminates some of the conflicting traffic, such as left turns, which cause crashes at traditional intersections. Because roundabout traffic enters or exits only through right turns, the occurrence of severe crashes is substantially reduced. There is also information about trail roundabouts.
The Transportation Research Board (TRB), National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) released Report 672: Roundabouts - An Informational Guide, Second Edition. It is an authoritative source of information that addresses the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of roundabouts based on research and practitioner experience in various locales throughout the United States over the last decade. The report is on the TRB website at http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_672.pdf.
TRB also released NCHRP Report 674: Crossing Solutions at Roundabouts and Channelized Turn Lanes for Pedestrians with Vision Disabilities. This report explores information related to establishing safe crossings at roundabouts and channelized turn lanes for pedestrians with vision disabilities. See http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_674.pdf.
The NCHRP has many reports relating to environmental issues. Many NCHRP reports are linked from the Center for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO website, see http://environment.transportation.org/, and search under Research News. Some examples at http://environment.transportation.org/research_news/nchrp.aspx:
Improving Public Outreach for Transportation Projects by Use of Citizen Coalitions (PDF 4.0 MB). The coalitions inventoried cover a range of topic areas including social equity, environmental protection, sustainable strategies, public health, air quality impacts, and historic and cultural preservation.
Transportation Corridor Environmental Management Framework (PDF 4.8 MB), which covers resource use and recycling, improving water quality, vegetation management, wildlife and human habitat, energy efficiency, and maintenance.
FHWA and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) published the Livability in Transportation Guidebook to illustrate how livability principles have been incorporated into transportation planning, programming, and project design, using examples from State, regional, and local sponsors. See www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/case_studies/guidebook/.
FTA published Transit and Trail Connections: Assessment of Visitor Access to National Wildlife Refuges. This study profiles U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges with existing transit and trail access, and examines remaining refuges for similar opportunities. See this and other transit reports at https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/grant-programs/paul-s-sarbanes-transit-parks-program-5320.
The Partnership for Sustainable Communities, an initiative of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), issued a Progress Report: A Year of Progress for American Communities.
The FHWA Pedestrian Safety Program has brochures available to help promote pedestrian safety. They provide information on proven countermeasures related to pedestrian safety (medians/pedestrian refuge areas and sidewalks/shoulders/walkways) that the FHWA encourages in the Guidance Memorandum on Consideration and Implementation of Proven Safety Countermeasures. See http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/tools_solve/.
The FHWA Field Engineers Learning & Development Seminar held April 20, 2010, in Dallas TX, had a presentation Designing for Nonmotorists to provide basic information about design issues for pedestrians and bicyclists on and along roads, shared use paths, and recreational trails. See www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/resources/design_nonmotor/. The National Center for Bicycling and Walking produced a summary of resources based on this presentation, see www.bikewalk.org/pdfs/fed_nonmotor_design2011.pdf.
The League of American Bicyclists issued an Advocacy Advance report: Bridging the Gaps in Bicycling Networks: An advocate's guide to getting bikes on bridges (www.bikeleague.org/resources/reports/pdfs/bridges.pdf). Bridges are extremely important to bicyclists and pedestrians. They are critical to overcoming the barriers to cycling and walking. The report has a list of Interstate bridges with bicycle accommodations (PDF). Advocacy Advance is a partnership between the League of American Bicyclists and the Alliance for Biking & Walking. See more League reports at www.bikeleague.org/resources/reports/.
The International City/County Management Association produced a report: Putting Smart Growth to Work in Rural Communities. It highlights smart growth strategies that can help guide rural growth while preserving the unique rural character of existing communities. See www.icma.org/ruralsmartgrowth.
Transportation For America released case studies on Livability in Rural and Small Town America. See this and other resources at http://t4america.org/resources/.
FHWA Office of Real Estate Services published Real Estate Acquisition Guide for Local Public Agencies. This will be helpful for any local public agency acquiring land using Federal-aid highway program funds (including TE or RTP funds). See Realty related documents at www.fhwa.dot.gov/real_estate/.
Center for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO: The Center for Environmental Excellence by AASHTO has a series of Practitioners Handbooks, including how to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Section 4(f), stormwater management, and other issues relating to transportation and the environment.
The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance (RTCA) program of the National Park Service provides staff who can guide communities in conserving waterways, preserving open space, and developing trails and greenways.
American Trails Accessible Trail Photos and Articles: American Trails hosts a "Cool Trail Solutions" website area. American Trails posted information on accessible boardwalks (www.AmericanTrails.org/photoGalleries/cool/15-Boardwalk-ADA-Accessible-Trail-Bridge.html) and accessible trail surfacing considerations and examples (www.AmericanTrails.org/photoGalleries/cool/3-ADA-Accessible-Trail-Surface.html). American Trails is seeking additional photos and articles related to accessibility.
National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse Image Library: The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) Image Library is a web accessible media archive that features images of Transportation Enhancement projects. See www.enhancements.org/library/index.asp.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center: State Resources; Image and Video Libraries: The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) hosts State-by-State resources and links, with State Bicycle and Pedestrian coordinator contact information, links to case studies and plans, information about bicycle laws, and bicycle maps. See www.walkinginfo.org/states or www.bicyclinginfo.org/states. The PBIC Pedestrian and Bicycle Image Library is a searchable collection of high-quality images relating to walking and bicycling; see www.pedbikeimages.org. The PBIC Video Library is at www.walkinginfo.org/videos.
Trail Publications: FHWA's trail-related publications at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/publications/ include links to many USDA Forest Service publications and resources.
Webinar on Excellence in Transportation Planning: The first in a series of three webinars on Excellence in Transportation Planning will take place on February 8, 2011, 1:00 to 2:30 pm ET. This webinar will feature projects from the 2010 Transportation Planning Excellence Awards (TPEA), a program jointly funded by the FHWA Surface Transportation Environment and Planning Cooperative Research Program (STEP) and FTA with support from the American Planning Association. This webinar will discuss freight planning, safety planning, and public involvement and outreach. The remaining two webinars will feature additional 2010 TPEA projects, and will include transportation and land use integration, modeling and technology applications, livability, sustainability, and tribal transportation planning. These webinars are expected to take place during the spring and summer of 2011. See www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/webconference/web_conf_learner_reg.aspx?webconfid=22272.
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals: The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (www.APBP.org) hosts monthly Professional Development Webinars related to walking and bicycling. Webinars are open to the public; APBP Members may participate in webinars at discounted rates. The discounts are worth the cost of membership. Membership entitles you to participate in the APBP listserv and other services. See www.apbp.org.
Wednesday, February 16, 3:00 to 4:00 pm ET: Complete Streets: State of the Practice
Register at www.apbp.org/event/feb-11_webinar.
Context Sensitive Solutions National Dialog Workshops: The FHWA CSS website supports workshops and webinars related to Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS). The final report for CSS National Dialog activities from November 2008 through September 2010 documents the collection of case studies, the organization of the regional workshops, provides statistics of workshop participants and their evaluation of the workshops. The report also includes a brief summary of the major topics of discussion and common themes from the workshops; see www.cssnationaldialog.org/.
The FHWA National Highway Institute has many courses available related to surface transportation and the environmental process.
The National Trails Training Partnership is an effort by trail advocates to improve opportunities for training for the nationwide trails community. The vision of the Partnership is "to ensure that the full range of skills, training, and resource information is available to trail groups, communities, tribal governments, and State and Federal agencies." See more resources for training and education, including the Online Training Calendar.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center: The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) has free, public webinars to encourage safe walking and bicycling for transportation and physical activity. To register for this and other upcoming webinars and to access archived presentations, see www.walkinginfo.org/webinars/.
Tread Lightly!, Inc. updated its Online Awareness Course on outdoor ethics and how to minimize impacts in the outdoors. See www.treadlightly.org, and look under Education.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Blog: Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood posts a Blog called Welcome to the Fastlane. There are frequent postings relating to livability issues and other issues affecting transportation enhancement activities and trails. See http://fastlane.dot.gov [inactive].
FHWA established a Livability Initiative Website: www.fhwa.dot.gov/livability/, to provide information on the FHWA Livability Initiative and to provide updates on the HUD/DOT/EPA Partnership for Sustainable Communities.
FHWA Local Public Agency Website: FHWA developed a Local Public Agency (LPA) website to assist LPA and State Transportation Agency officials in the administration and oversight of Federal-aid funded projects. The site offers reference, contact, and training information, and other aids to assist public officials in meeting Federal-aid program and project requirements. See www.fhwa.dot.gov/federalaid/lpa/index.cfm.
FHWA's Environmental Quarterly Newsletter has useful information related to transportation and the environment. www.fhwa.dot.gov/resourcecenter/teams/environment/publications.cfm.
FHWA's Pedestrian Forum Newsletter has useful information related to pedestrian safety. http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ped_bike/pedforum/. There are links to training and safety materials.
FHWA Resource Center's Centered on Service Newsletter has useful articles on a variety of transportation topics. www.fhwa.dot.gov/resourcecenter/cos/.
FHWA's Transportation Planning Newsletter has a variety of transportation planning news items. www.fhwa.dot.gov/resourcecenter/teams/planning/publications.cfm.
America's Byways Bulletin, www.bywaysonline.org/program/bulletin/, has information related to the National Scenic Byways Program, including conferences and training resources.
America's Byways Vistas, is a bimonthly news magazine with stories about America's Byways. It includes resources such as Universal Design for Byways, an economic impact tool, a byway project database, and a calendar of byway-related events.
Disclaimer: The links below reflect the views of these organizations. Providing links to these resources does not represent endorsement by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse TE Corner: The National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC) issues TE Corner. It has stories about interesting Transportation Enhancement (TE) projects and broader news concerning the TE program. Additional NTEC publications are at www.enhancements.org/publications.asp.
National Park Service Conservation and Recreation Newsletter: The National Park Service has a monthly Conservation and Recreation Newsletter. See the Archive.
AASHTO Center for Environmental Excellence Website: The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Center for Environmental Excellence posts many resources related to transportation and the environment. See http://environment.transportation.org. See the Recent Developments page.
The American Council of Snowmobile Associations newsletter represents snowmobile associations.
The American Hiking Society's Paperless Trail provides information on hiking resources and National Trails Day. See www.americanhiking.org/News-Room/ to sign up.
American Trails publishes the American Trails Magazine and the Trail Tracks newsletter. American Trails Magazine covers trail news, legislation, and action items; training opportunities; accessibility; success stories, people making a difference, and creative funding ideas; resources for trail planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management; information on products and services; and conferences and events. Trail Tracks is a monthly newsletter with trail information and "Action Alerts". The Magazine and Trail Tracks archives share the same webpage: www.americantrails.org/trailtracks/.
Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals represents professionals and advocates whose work relates to walking and bicycling. APBP's newsletter provides valuable information on professional development webinars, transportation policy, conferences, member collaboration groups, and more. See www.apbp.org.
Equestrian Trails and Conservation Awareness is a website addressing natural resource conservation issues for recreational horse trail riders. See www.etaca.info.
Equine Land Conservation Resource news is at www.elcr.org/index_newsletters.php. ELCR advances the conservation of land for equine-related activity.
The Institute for Transportation Research & Education (ITRE) at North Carolina State University launched a website that highlights work on blind pedestrian accessibility to roundabouts and other complex intersections. The website contains a discussion of projects, crossing challenges for pedestrians who are blind, and infrastructure-based treatments that are intended to help improve accessibility. There are pictures and videos, and links to presentations and publications on the topic. See www.itre.ncsu.edu/ITRE/research/Pedestrian-Accessibility/index.html.
International Mountain Bicycling Association Singletrack eNews addresses issues relating to mountain biking. www.imba.com/news/
League of American Bicyclists: American Bicyclist Update: www.bikeleague.org/members/e-newsletter_archive.php. The newsletters have articles of interest to TE managers and trail interests, including national resources and State and local news related to bicycling.
National Center for Bicycling and Walking Centerlines: www.bikewalk.org/newsletter.php. The newsletters have many articles of interest to TE managers and trail interests, especially on planning, policy, funding sources, health, livability, and research, plus links to webinars and other training.
The National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council newsletter has articles relating to off highway vehicle issues. See www.nohvcc.org.
The National Wildlife Federation Policy Bulletin has many articles about the Let's Move Outside Initiative and getting youth outside to enjoy outdoor recreational activity. See www.nwf.org/News-and-Magazines/Media-Center/News-by-Topic/Get-Outside.aspx.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center: PBIC Messenger. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. PBIC has resources for training, research, and technical assistance related to walking and bicycling. Sign up for this newsletter at www.pedbikeinfo.org.
Transportation Research Board: The Transportation Research Board (TRB) releases many research reports each week. Some relate to nonmotorized transportation, trails, and transportation enhancements. See the TRB Newsletter. You can subscribe and set settings for your interests.
Conference Proceedings
The National Center for Bicycling and Walking posted proceedings and reports from the Pro Walk/Pro Bike® 2010 conference. See www.bikewalk.org/2010conference/index.php.
The State Trail Administrator Training Meeting notes from November 13-14, 2010 are posted at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/events/stam_2010/. See notes from previous meetings from 1993 through 2009 at www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/recreational_trails/events/.
American Trails posted proceedings from the 20th National Trails Symposium, held in Chattanooga TN. www.americantrails.org/2010/.
Conferences and Events Coming Soon
February 13-16, 2011. 2011 Annual Corps Forum, Washington DC. Organized by The Corps Network with cosponsorship from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program. Conference sessions and workshops include legislative issues, Corps work related to trails, working with people with disabilities, crew management and training, safety, and funding opportunities.
March 8-10, 2011. National Bike Summit 2011, Washington DC. Organized by the League of American Bicyclists with cosponsorship from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program and Safe Routes to School Program. The National Bike Summit brings together stakeholders from user groups, industry, government, and elected officials from around the country to share their ideas and best practices.
March 13-20, 2011. 2011 Sustainable Trails Conference, Asheville NC. Organized by the Professional Trailbuilders Association with cosponsorship from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program. The Sustainable Trails Conference is a resource for knowledge, equipment, expertise, and information on the current state of the trails industry.
May 14-19, 2011. 13th National Scenic and Historic Trails Conference, Abingdon VA. Organized by the Partnership for the National Trails System with cosponsorship from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program. See www.pnts.org. This conference focuses on National Scenic and Historic Trails.
May 23-26, 2011. 31st Annual NARRP Conference, Breckenridge CO. Organized by the National Association of Recreation Resource Planners. Innovations in Connecting Americans to Our Great Outdoors. See www.narrp.org for more information.
June 1-4, 2011. International Snowmobile Congress, Calgary, Alberta. Organized by the American Council of Snowmobile Associations with cosponsorship from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program. The ISC brings together snowmobile and groomer manufacturers, leaders of snowmobile organizations, grassroots snowmobilers, snowmobile administrators, government representatives, and other people interested in snowmobiling. State and Federal staff with snowmobile program responsibilities may attend the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators meeting: see http://snowiasa.org/.
June 4, 2011. The American Hiking Society's National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts for the 19th annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system. Events will take place around the country including trail maintenance, hiking, paddling, biking, horseback riding, bird watching, running, trail celebrations, and more! The theme for National Trails Day 2011, Made With All Natural Ingredients, encourages all Americans to get outside, connect with local outdoor clubs, businesses, community groups, and parks and recreation departments as well as Federal land managing agencies to experience, appreciate, and celebrate the natural places where we can find a spread of scenery, a plateful of peace, and a heap of happiness and health. See www.americanhiking.org/national-trails-day/. Registration will be available in February 2011.
July 21-23, 2011. Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference, Auburn AL. Organized by the Alabama Horse Council with cosponsorship from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program. SETC brings together people concerned about the future of the natural and cultural heritage of the equestrian trail experience.
August 16-18, 2011. 3rd Safe Routes to School National Conference, Minneapolis MN. Presented by the National Center for Safe Routes to School and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership. Transportation professionals, SRTS advocates, program representatives, elected officials and community members will connect with colleagues to discuss ideas, resources, projects and noteworthy practices to enhance work that is creating healthier kids and communities.
August 21-24, 2011. 2011 National Scenic Byways Conference, Minneapolis MN. Presented by the America's Byways Resource Center. The theme is: Livability. Sustainability. Responsibility. The conference will cover the latest ideas in Byway Organization, Finances, Visitor Experience and Corridor Management.
September 22-25, 2011. National Off Highway Vehicle Program Managers Conference, Bloomington MN. Organized by the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council with cosponsorship from FHWA's Recreational Trails Program.
October 19-22, 2011. National Preservation Conference, Buffalo NY. Organized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Education and Field Session submissions are due February 18, 2011.
See more events at:
For Laughs: The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) listserv occasionally receives humorous postings. Here is a bicycle-related posting:
From: michael ronkin
Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 1:40 AM
To: 'APBP'
Subject: [apbp] Not just another "cycling is wonderful" video
Your Monday morning funny: http://www.copenhagenize.com/2011/01/cars-suck.html. Turns cycling on its head; makes your realize how absurd car-bike comparisons are. Enjoy!
Michael Ronkin [former Oregon State Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator]
For a More Serious Viewpoint: Learning From Copenhagen. "This video captures well how cycling has been integrated into the transportation network. It is worth watching." (Statement by Gloria Shepherd, FHWA Associate Administrator for Planning, Environment, and Realty). Video: Aprendiendo de Copenhagen, Dinamarca. www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/2010/07/25/video-aprendiendo-de-copenhagen-dinamarca/.
This may take a while to load. The written comments are in Spanish, but the video is in English.
For Careers: See information about careers within the Federal Highway Administration at www.fhwa.dot.gov/careers/.
