Notes from Gil Penalosa’s Presentation

Pedestrians + Cyclists + Parks & Public Spaces + Public Transportation = Health & Vibrant Communities

Issue: Thinking and talking is not enough!
How do we move to DOING?

Change is Possible
Every community is unique, but the elements of committing to a healthy and vibrant community are the same. It is about adapting and improving: Building a case for more walkable and bikable community.

Priorities
- plan and design communities for people
- establish parks within walkable distance
- design communities around people, not cars
- spur the economic benefits of active and vibrant communities
- increased quality of community life increases economic competitiveness and happiness

8-80 Rule
Think about a child approximately 8 years old and an older adult approximately 80 years old who you love. Would you send either alone to walk or bike to school or the corner store? If ‘no’ – we need to plan and design better streets, trails and public spaces.

Role of Streets
- streets are a major part of every community.
- streets are for much more than moving cars.

Benefits of Active Communities
- health
- economic
- social cohesion & inclusion
- quality of life for all
- environmental benefits

Change is achievable when priorities are clear:
- quality of life for everyone
- connectivity
- interwoven trails in every community and between communities
- recreational benefits
- transportation – walking & biking are priority modes of transportation
- right to mobility – proper spaces to walk or bike as a right

Pedestrian- and Cyclist-Friendly Communities
- ntegrate a complete streets policy
- every time a road is rebuilt integrate the principles of multi-use (pedestrians, cyclists & vehicles)
- design visible biking infrastructure
- promote relationship to positive health outcomes

Safety and Perceptions of Risk
- walking and cylcling should be safe, attractive and feasible for all
- just painting lines on existing roads does not work
- increases in biking and walking infrastructure reduces accident rates

Healthy Communities How-To

Many thanks to those of you who attended the Active Communities workshop in Calabogie on June 4.  It was an inspiring and very thought-provoking session.  Hopefully many of us walked away with some concrete action oriented ideas to implement in our communities, work places and homes.

Action Items
- buy a bike, borrow a bike, ride a bike
- go for a walk
- start a conversation – talk to your neighbour or municipal leader about healthy and vibrant communities for everyone
- look at your community – is it safe and appealing for people of all ages and abilities to walk or bike?
- join PAN-RC

PAN-RC Steps Forward
1. Community workshops – we have an opportunity to host two community workshops with Canada Walks – contact PAN-RC if you would like to bring a Walkability Workshop to your community.
2. Active Transportation – we are continuing to work with the County of Renfrew in support of active transportation.
3. School Travel Planning –contact PAN-RC if you are interested in the concept of school travel planning in your community school.