News from Around the Network

Don't miss out on the largest gathering of professionals, advocates, agencies, and community members working to make California a safer and more enjoyable place to walk! Early bird registration ends on March 15, 2014. Get Registered Now!

We're also still seeking sponors & exhibors, as well as speakers. Download the Sponsor Brochure or Call for Speakers Today

Please welcome the newest additions to the Cal WALKS family! Our newest Board Members include Janet Abelson, Terry Parker, Jan Howe, and Beverly Shelton--learn more about our Board of Directors here.

This new report from the New York City Department of Transportation analyzed the economic impact of pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects in New York City through the use sales tax receipts to compare retail activity before and after a project is implemented. The report provides convincing evidence that improved accessibility and a more welcoming street environment created by these projects generate increases in retail sales in the project area. Read the Full Report Here

Suburban Sprawl Cancels Out Carbon Footprint Savings of Dense Urban Cores
A new study from researchers at UC Berkeley found that suburbs account for half of all household greenhouse gas emissions despite accounting for less than half the population and that the average carbon footprint of distant suburban households is twice as high as the average and four times as high as households in the center of large, population-dense urban cities. 

Health Resources in Action have released a new series of Community Speed Reduction resources--from basic fact sheets to in-depth case studies. Access the Resources Here

America Walks teamed up with Portland, Oregon law firm Swanson, Thomas, Coon, and Newton to develop an article that describes successful legal reforms for making cars stop for pedestirans, as well as a database of all state laws pertaining to crossing the street. Learn More Here

This new report from the National Center for Safe Routes to School found that walking to and from school increased significantly between 2007 and 2012--from 12.4% to 15.7% in the morning and from 15.8% to 19.7% in the afternoon--and the percentage of parents who reported that their child's school supported walking and bicycling for the school commute rose

from 24.9% to 33%. Read the Full Report Here

This recent paper based on the Kaiser Permanente Survey of American Attitudes and Behaviors Concerning Walking provides strong evidence that neighborhood walkability impacts the amount of time people walk; that those who live in a more walkable neighborhood, where the infrastructure is pedestrian-friendly, walk more than those who live in a neighborhood less conducive for walking; and that people will take advantage of pedestrian-friendly environments and walk more-whatever their original predispositions were towards walking. Read the Full Paper Here

A recent report from U.S. PIRG found that in 99 of the nation's 100 largest regions, fewer people commuted to work in a private vehicle in 2010 than in 2000. At the same time, more households are owning fewer cars and more individuals are commuting by transit or bike.  Read the Full Report Here

A new survey from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that 91% of drivers agreed that everyone should obey speed limits and 48% agreed that something should be done to reduce speeding. Read the Full Survey Findings Here