Public health and the cost of energy will be addressed at a bicycle and pedestrian conference in west-central Wisconsin.
The conference in Eau Claire will focus on walking and bicycling as viable transportation options. Tom Huber, Wisconsin DOT Bureau of Planning and Economic Development, says the goal is to figure out how experts can work together to make such modes of transportation easier across the state. The theme is: The next 8.2 percent.
"Currently about 8% of all trips in Wisconsin are made by foot and by bicycle. So the thought among the organizers is 'how are we going to attract the next eight percent of all trip making to these two modes of travel?'"
Huber says participants can expect to learn about the economic and health benefits of active transportation; keeping kids safe and active; green commuting, tourism and marketing of trail systems; and new concepts including designing bicycle facilities.
"There's a little bit for everyone in our conferences and we've designed our conf so that it appeals to a broad cross-section of people."
Attendees will include transportation officials, educators, public works directors, city engineers, local officials, as well as biking and walking advocates.
The conference is August 13 and 14.
AUDIO: Jackie Johnson report (1:22 MP3)
