Training & Events
5th Annual Active Communities Conference
Walking, Biking, Physical Activity
May 31, 2012
Abromson Conference Center Portland, Maine
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Full Day - $40.00
Evening - $10.00
Be our guest at the 5th annual Maine Active Communities Conference, an exploration in what an Active Community Environment (ACE) is and how you can transform your community for better health, better transportation, and even a better economy.
This year we are shaking things up a little by offering essentially two conferences in one day. The full day session is targeted primarily for professionals working in local policy, programs and infrastructure that impact Active Community Environments. The evening session is designed for elected officials and citizen volunteers who are so critical to this effort, but who may not be able to attend a full daytime conference.
Both will feature national and regional experts as well as basic and advanced sessions on fostering walking, bicycling and access to places to be physically active. Sessions will include topics such as project funding, active community design, collaboration, built environment assessment tools, active community environment teams and much more.
KEYNOTE
Keith Laughlin
Keith Laughlin is the president of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), the nation's largest trails organization with more than 100,000 members and supporters. With an extensive network of partners in the recreation, health promotion, transportation and conservation communities, RTC works to create a national environment that promotes, protects and facilitates the conversion of former railroad rights-of-way into public access trails throughout the country.
SPECIAL GUEST
Jeffrey Miller
Jeffrey Miller, President/CEO of the Alliance for Biking & Walking. The Alliance is the North American coalition dedicated to building the organization capacity of grassroots bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups. Prior to heading up the Alliance in 2008, Jeff was the Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for nearly 12 years, giving him plenty of exposure to the challenges grassroots active transportation advocates tackle.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Public and private sector professionals in the fields of Public Health, Transportation, Parks & Recreation, Planning, Public Safety, Economic Development and Public Works, as well as Elected Officials, Citizens, City and Town Mangers, Business Owners and others interested in improving their communities!
WHAT WILL I LEARN?
- What an"active community environment" is and why it is important.
- The economic benefits of active communities
- Funding opportunities to support this work.
- How others have been successful in their communities.
- Ways to make your community more "active" through planning and design. and more
Daytime Sessions Overview
**Note session information will be updated as new information is available – please check back often.
9:15AM – WELCOME
9:30AM – KEYNOTE
Building Healthier Places for Healthier People
Keith Laughlin, President, Rails to Trails Conservancy
Active Community Environments encourage healthier, more mobile lifestyles by making possible places to walk, bike and more. They develop healthier economies by promoting tourism and local businesses, and increasing property values. They support a healthier climate and environment by making active transportation a viable alternative to the automobile. They contribute to healthier, more vibrant community interaction, connecting people to the places they live, work and play.
10:45 AM – BREAKOUTS
Active Community Environments – What are they? Why do you want one?
Douglas Beck, Maine CDC Physical Activity Coordinator
Phil Carey, Maine State Planning Office
Steve Balboni, President Maine Recreation & Park Association
Joe Boucher, Maine DOE
How does ACE impact public health, and what are the primary components of ACE that can be brought to bear to improve public health? Why you should create an Active Community Environment Team in your community, who should be part of it and what kind of work would it do?
Freedom To Move: The impacts of the built environment on our children, our health and our quality of life.
Jaime Parker, Trails Manager, Portland Trails
Sashie Misner, Landscape Architect, Mitchell and Associates
Despite the freedom promised by the automobile, our immediate surroundings still have a tremendous impact on how we live. For children in particular, being connected to their environment is crucial to developing healthy habits, and gaining independence and growth. Whether walking on sidewalks or trails, exploring wild open-spaces, or bicycling around the culde-sac, being able to get around our neighborhoods is essential. All too often we have created isolating environments that limit our freedom, and lower our quality of life. This session will explore ways to improve connectivity and create dynamic public spaces for activity, play and exploration.
The Power of Engaging Youth
Anne-Marie Davee, School Health Coordinator RSU No. 5
RSU No. 5 Students
Anne-Marie Davee, School Health Coordinator RSU No. 5, will lead an interactive discussion about the power of engaging youth in active living community initiatives. These include town council meetings, spirit days, bicycle clubs and safe routes to school events.
Expanding the Walking and Biking Pie
Bruce Hyman, Portland Bicycle Pedestrian guru - Portland’s ‘Neighborhood Byway’ Pilot Project:
This session will provide an overview (panel)/a tour (mobile) of the program and infrastructure elements of Portland’s pilot Neighborhood Byway, a bicycle boulevard with expanded elements to appeal to pedestrians and bicyclists of all ages and abilities and proponents of neighborhood livability.
The Economic Impact of Bicycling and Walking in Vermont
Beth Isler, Senior Consultant, Resource Systems Group, Burlington, VT
The study is meant to be a one year (2009) “snapshot” of the total economic and environmental benefit - including direct, secondary and spin-off benefits – of bicycle and pedestrian facilities and activities, including tourism, environmental, improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, real estate values, health, reduction in demand on the transportation systems, and other economic benefits.
Connecting Communities With Regional Trails
Rod Melanson, Assistant Planner, Town of Topsham
Jon Edgerton, Vice President, Wright-Pierce
Over the course of the past decade, a number of regional trail systems have progressed from concepts to reality. Come join in this discussion of of lessons learned with respect to organizational and outreach strategies and capitalize on the experience of those that have successfully worked through these challenges. Our panel speakers have been selected to include representatives of regional trail systems that have encountered a range of challenges. The selected trail systems are at different phases in their development, so this promises to be an enlightening conversation. We encourage other trail coordinators/planners to participate in the discussion to share their experiences in how trails can be successful at the regional and local levels.
1:15PM – PLENARY
Bicycling and Walking in the United States
Jeff Miller, President/CEO Alliance for Biking & Walking
The Alliance for Biking & Walking just released the 2012 Benchmarking Report "Bicycling and Walking in the United States." It compares policies, infrastructure, funding, safety, and advocacy capacity of all 50 states and the 51 largest cities. Jeff will share key findings from the new report and ways you can leverage this great resource to improve biking and walking, policies, and funding for your community. We'll discuss the latest data and trends at the national and local levels. Participants will learn how and which data can make the best case for investing in active transportation.
As the first executive director for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (1996-2008) and a former board member and fundraiser for the Kennebec River Rail Trail, Jeff personally knows some of the challenges and opportunities we face in Maine.
2:30PM – BREAKOUTS
Safe Routes to School: Walk, Bike and So Much More!
Darcy Whittemore, Program Manager, Maine Safe Routes to School Program
Chanda Turner, School Health Coordinator, Portland Public Schools
After a brief introduction and overview of the Maine Safe Routes to School Program, the local Portland Safe Routes to School Team will share their exciting city-wide efforts including: (1) Grassroots Initiatives: Ocean Avenue School’s daily walking school bus and Hall Schools themed monthly walk & bike events; (2) School Travel Planning at the Lyseth & Lyman Moore and associated education, encouragement, & infrastructure elements – including the implementation of the Portland Walkways signed routes; and (3) the new Walk & Bike to School Policy and district emphasis on Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Education. Join the discussion and there’s sure to be something to take home with you to light the Safe Routes to School spark (or rekindle fires already burning) in your community!
Increasing Children’s Activity Through Engaging Play Spaces
Sashie Misner, Landscape Architect, Mitchell & Associates
The design of playgrounds has a significant impact on children’s activity levels and development potential. In today’s world of parental fears limit children’s ability to play freely in their neighborhoods. This fact has increased the importance and of playgrounds to provide children with a space that engages them both physically and mentally. This session will discuss play space design issues that encourage whole child development.
Bicycle-Pedestrian Wayfinding through Coastal Greater Portland
Carl Eppich, AICP, Transportation Planner, Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System (PACTS)
Paul Neihoff, Senior Transportation Planner, PACTS
Brad Woodworth, SEGD, President, Woodworth Associates
A visible wayfinding system is perhaps the most affordable and effective way to encourage bicycling and walking, while raising driver awareness. Learn how PACTS is planning and integrating such a system and including technology-enhanced wayfinding.
Make your town more bike- and pedestrian-friendly.
Nancy Grant, Executive Director, Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Jim Tasse, Education Director, Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Do you want to improve biking and walking conditions in your town? You need a Community Spoke! The Bicycle Coalition of Maine is developing a network of local bike-pedestrian advocates all over Maine. We will train your Spoke on how to start a bike-pedestrian committee and on how to bring cycling and walking infrastructure, programs and policies to your town. We also provide regular support to our Spokes and meet through monthly conference calls. Come to this session to learn more about the program and to find out how to get involved.
Bike and Car Sharing Builds Active Communities:
Shannon Simms, Designer, Alta Planning & Design, Arlington MA
Mark Chase, Consulting Associate, Nelson Nygaard, Boston, MA
Long a staple in European cities, bikeshare systems have come to North America and proved wildly popular in a few short years. Boston’s Hubway system has induced tens of thousands of bike trips and offers great lessons for Portland and other cities throughout New England. Peer to Peer car-sharing allows private owners to share their vehicles with each other and reduces car ownership rates. Instead of buckling up in their own driveways, members walk, bike or take the bus to access the shared vehicle. Lessons from around the country will be offered to Maine communities interested in carsharing.
Measuring the Rural Built Environment for Active Living
David Hartley, Research Professor Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine
Anush Hansen, Research Associate Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine
The Rural Active Living Assessment (RALA) Tools are available from the Active Living Research website for anyone who is interested in measuring how activity friendly their rural community is. These tools have been used in rural areas in 14 states, and are the recommended rural measurement tool for Community Transformation Grant program grantees. This session will introduce these tools, explain what problems arise when using tools developed for urban areas in small towns, and show how the RALA tools can be used to identify areas for improvement in rural communities.
Green Design and Active Communities
Ryan Neale, Program Director, Maine Development Foundation’s Maine Downtown Center
Jennifer Olsen, Executive Director, Main Street Skowhegan
The Maine Downtown Center’s Green Downtowns program works to strengthen the link between the natural and built environments in Maine’s downtowns, and to build local capacity to support green initiatives. Learn how the program’s green design and active living principles have been applied in Main Street Maine community Skowhegan, which has built trails and started a walking club for downtown workers.
3:45PM – BREAKOUTS
Funding your Projects
Brian Lawrence, Safety and Project Engineer, Federal Highway Program
Mick Rogers, Maine Department of Conservation
This session will cover the types of federal funds eligible through Maine DOT for bicycle,
pedestrian and trail projects including, but not limited to, Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. There will be a discussion of targeted projects, restrictions and the selection process. Session will also focus on Recreational Trails and Land and Water Conservation Funds
Statewide Success Stories
Speakers to be named
Learn from those who have gone before you and found success in their efforts. No need to reinvent the wheel (bicycle wheel that is). Find out what they did, how they did it, and how you can use the knowledge gained from their efforts to get a jump start on your successful project to be.
"Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers; Walking and Bicycling in Small Towns and Rural America."
Keith Laughlin, President, Rails to Trails Conservancy
A new research report by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy demonstrates that, in fact, active transportation is a part of life even far beyond urban centers. From tiny Burlington, Wyo. (pop. 250), to Elvis' hometown in Tupelo, Miss. (pop. 39,000), kids, seniors and working people walk and bicycle at rates that are not so different from what you find in metropolitan areas.
Breakout: Winning Campaigns™
Jeff Miller, President/CEO, Alliance for Biking & Walking
Citizens or advocates frequently have the passion and interest in getting specific improvements in their community. Thinking in a campaign mind set with specific strategies will increase your effectiveness to win! With over 15 years of experience creating, strengthening and uniting state / province and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations, the Alliance for Biking & Walking has developed a campaign formula, materials, and a Winning Campaigns™ Training. This session will review the seven key components the Alliances focuses on for a formula to win. Specifically we will review:
- Identifying issues and solutions
- Setting campaign goals
- Assessing resources
- Strategizing and mapping the power structure to influence decision makers
- Developing a message and media campaign
- Tactics and Timelines
- Resource management and fundraising
We also focus on using the campaign as a way to strengthen your organization (avoid burn out) so you are stronger and better equipped to tackle the next campaign. We'll also get a few examples of model campaigns that have won big results for bicyclists and pedestrians using the Winning Campaigns™ methodology and resources.
Planning, Designing and Implementing Innovative Bike Facilities:
Phil Goff, New England Field Office Manager, Alta Planning & Design, Arlington MA
Jeff Rosenblum, Senior Planner, City of Cambridge Community Development Department
Cities and towns throughout Maine and the US are working to promote bicycling for transportation. More than ever, planners and policy makers recognize that designated facilities promote both ridership and safety. In older cities and towns throughout New England, implementing these facilities can be a challenge, both physically and politically. This panel will feature a primer on the new NACTO Urban Bikeway Design Guide that helps planners and engineers design innovative facilities and examples of successful implementation from Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Built Environment Assessment Tools and Health Impact Assessment
Douglas Beck, Maine CDC Physical Activity Coordinator
Rebecca Drewette-Card, Principal, Public Health Partners, LLC
In order to improve the local landscape you first have to understand where it comes up short.
Then as you begin to develop plans for change how do you know what options will result in the
best health outcomes? Built Environment Assessment Tools, will help with the first, and Health
Impact Assessments will help with the second. Learn more about these tools that can be used to make your world more active.
GrowSmart Maine and Project Canopy
Nancy Smith, Executive Director, GrowSmart Maine
Kim Ballard, GrowSmart Maine
GrowSmart Maine and Project Canopy overview – greening the built environment as a means of encouraging physical activity and economic development. Full content description unavailable as of this printing. Updates will be made when available.
Evening Sessions
6:00PM – WELCOME
6:15 PM – EVENING KEYNOTE
Jeff Miller, President/CEO Alliance for Biking and Walking
Keith Laughlin, President, Rails to Trails Conservancy
Active Community Environments – Are Economic Engines
Active Community Environments encourage healthier, more mobile lifestyles by making possible places to walk, bike and more. They develop healthier economies by promoting tourism and local businesses, and increasing property values. They support a healthier climate and environment by making active transportation a viable alternative to the automobile. They contribute to healthier, more vibrant community interaction, connecting people to the places they live, work and play.
7:30PM – BREAKOUTS
Safe Routes to School: Walk, Bike and So Much More!
Darcy Whittemore, Program Manager, Maine Safe Routes to School Program
Chanda Turner, School Health Coordinator, Portland Public Schools
After a brief introduction and overview of the Maine Safe Routes to School Program, the local Portland Safe Routes to School Team will share their exciting city-wide efforts including: (1) Grassroots Initiatives: Ocean Avenue School’s daily walking school bus and Hall Schools themed monthly walk & bike events; (2) School Travel Planning at the Lyseth & Lyman Moore and associated education, encouragement, & infrastructure elements – including the implementation of the Portland Walkways signed routes; and (3) the new Walk & Bike to School Policy and district emphasis on Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Education. Join the discussion and there’s sure to be something to take home with you to light the Safe Routes to School spark (or rekindle fires already burning) in your community!
Statewide Success Stories
Speakers to be named
Learn from those who have gone before you and found success in their efforts. No need to reinvent the wheel (bicycle wheel that is). Find out what they did, how they did it, and how you can use the knowledge gained from their efforts to get a jump start on your successful project to be.
Active Community Environments – What are they? Why do you want one?
Douglas Beck, Maine CDC Physical Activity Coordinator
Phil Carey, Maine State Planning Office
Steve Balboni, President Maine Recreation & Park Association
Joe Boucher, Maine DOE
How does ACE impact public health, and what are the primary components of ACE that can be brought to bear to improve public health? Why you should create an Active Community Environment Team in your community, who should be part of it and what kind of work would it do?
Funding your Projects
Brian Lawrence, Safety and Project Engineer, Federal Highway Program
Mick Rogers, Maine Department of Conservation
This session will cover the types of federal funds eligible through Maine DOT for bicycle,
pedestrian and trail projects including, but not limited to, Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. There will be a discussion of targeted projects, restrictions and the selection process. Session will also focus on Recreational Trails and Land and Water Conservation Funds
Introduction to Complete Streets – Discover tools that you can use to achieve Complete Streets
Thomas Errico, PE, Senior Associate, T.Y. Lin International
This presentation will define Complete Streets, communicate the transportation, public health and environmental benefits and discuss implementation strategies.
Policy and Promoting Active Community Environments
Peer to Peer perspective – Elected Officials to be named shortly
All the good ideas in the world matter not if there is no political will to address the issue or an elected official champion to shepherd the concept through the process. This session will explore the critical roles elected officials play in making positive changes to built environments and policies in communities across the state.
Outdoor Session Overview
Walking Audits
Biking Audits
Portland Walks – Portland’s version of SRTS
Portland Bike Boulevards
USM / Portland traffic calming and pedestrian friendly initiatives
Project canopy / green outdoors & MOC
This event is brought to you by the Maine Active Community Environment Workgroup, a statewide coalition of agencies, organizations and associations interested in promoting ACE concepts. We are: Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Maine State Planning Office, Maine Department of Conservation, Maine Department of Education, Maine Department of Economic & Community Development, Maine Development Foundation, GrowSmart Maine, Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Maine Recreation and Parks Association, Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation System, Maine Chapter, American Public Works Association, Maine Association of Planners and the USM Muskie School of Public Service.
We hope you will join us for this fantastic event.