Though we have our reservations  about the Governor's proposed Active Transportation Program (ATP), the ATP does have great potential to increase funding for walking, bicycling, and Safe Routes to Schools programs over time. On March 13 and 14, the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees held hearings on the ATP proposal, and based on the legislators' responses, we believe there is strong support and will in the Legislature to ensure that the ATP can be a truly transformational program for Californians who walk and bike. Read more about the hearings here.

• AB 1194 (Ammiano): This bill re-establishes Safe Routes to Schools as a standalone program apart from the proposed Active Transportation Program. The bill hearing is scheduled for Monday, April 15, 2013 in the Assembly Transportation Committee. Contact Jeanie Ward-Waller if your orgnanization would like to support the bill. 
• AB 666 (Wieckowski): This bill decriminalizes violations of automated traffic enforcement systems (e.g. red light cameras) and would not treat such violations as moving violations. This change would reduce the adminstrative burden on our court system (which currently must process all moving violations) and increase the ability of local jurisdictions to prevent evasion of citation fees, all while reducing the current fine 50-60%. By making collection more likely for local jurisidcitions, we believe this bill will increase compliance with automated enforcements systems and increase public safety. This bill is supported by the California Police Chiefs Association, California WALKS, the California Bicycle Coalition, the California Alliance for Retired Americans, and many others. Sign the Traffic Safety Coalition petition today!
• AB 184 (Gatto): This bill would revise the statute of limitations for prosecutions of hit and run drivers--if a perpetrator has been identified, AB 184 allows prosecution up to one year AFTER identification; otherwise, the current three year limit from the date of the incident is used. AB184 passed the Assembly Public Safety Committee unanimously, and is currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee with no scheduled hearings. 
• SB 219 (Yee): This bill makes the current pilot Safety Enhancement-Double Fine Zone along State Highway Route 1 (19th Avenue) and State Highway Route 101 (Van Ness Avenue) in San Francisco permanent. No hearings currently scheduled.

The U.S. Surgeon General is inviting public comments from individuals and organizations between April 1-30, 2013 for the planned National Call to Action on Walking. 

 

We strongly urge everyone to comment in the Federal Register, and all input will be considered by the Office of the Surgeon General. Don't miss the chance to make your voice heard! Submit your comments here.

Watch the Surgeon General discuss the Call to Action

 [Conference] 4th Biennial Safe Routes to School National Conference

August 13-15, 2013 | Sacramento, CA | Hosted by the Local Government Commission | Co-presented by the National Center for Safe Routes to School & the Safe Routes to School National Partnership

The Safe Routes to School National Conference heads to Sacramento this year--recognizing California's key role and leadership in the Safe Routes to School movement. In fact, California was the first state to enact SRTS legislation all the way back in 1999. Come learn about the latest in SRTS strategies and join the parents, volunteers, public health practitioners, and active living afficianados that make the Safe Routes to School movement so great! Registration to open in early May 2013.

[Conference] Dollars and Sense: Economic, Health and Social Benefits of Walking and Bicycling; 2013 APBP Professional Development Seminar

September 9-12, 2013 | Boulder, CO | Hosted by the Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP)

Join APBP in Boulder, Colorado for the 2013 Professional Development Seminar (PDS). This three-day conference is packed with state-of-the-practice information for planners, engineers, landscape architects, public health professionals, advocates, elected officials, and others working to advance active transportation and sustainable, livable communities. Through classroom sessions, mobile tours and inspiring plenaries, we'll explore how to build great facilities for active transportation and learn how make the case for these investments. The seminar's in-depth, 3-hour sessions leverage speakers' expertise and participants' enthusiasm to teach new skills and best practices and generate fresh insights. Registration opens April 8.