Washington, DC - October 26, 2012 - The Alliance for Biking & Walking's signature Benchmarking Project ranks all 50 states and the 51 largest U.S. cities on bicycling and walking levels, safety, funding and other factors. Today, the Alliance is proud to announce that Andrea Milne is succeeding Kristen Steele (Swanson) as the Benchmarking Project Manager.

Beginning in 2010, Milne worked as the Benchmarking Project Research Assistant and provided research and production support for the current Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report. In her new role as Benchmarking Project Manager, Milne will coordinate the many partners, officials and academic reviewers to produce the 2014 Benchmarking Report.

"I'm looking forward to working more closely with advocates, researchers and implementers around the country and continuing to produce a high-quality Benchmarking Report that the biking and walking community has come to appreciate and use," said Milne.  

Andrea Milne has assumed the role of Benchmarking Project Manager.

"The Benchmarking Report has proven an essential tool for advocates, agency staff, elected officials, and media across the U.S.," said Jeffrey Miller, President/CEO of the Alliance for Biking & Walking. He added, "After a national search we are delighted to have Andrea step up into this leadership role with her significant experience needed to make this a top notch resource used by communities across the U.S." 

After earning a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan, Milne worked as a freelance researcher and publication designer, producing reports and informational materials on numerous urban planning initiatives, including biking and walking developments. She serves on her community's bicycle advisory committee and seeks out ways to participate in local, state and national conversations on improving mobility for people of all ages and abilities.

"After growing the Benchmarking Project for nearly six years and producing three Benchmarking Reports, I'm delighted to have a trusted colleague with fresh ideas and significant experience taking charge," said Kristen Steele (Swanson), author of the Benchmarking Reports in 2007, 2010, and 2012. "Andrea played a critical role in the success of the 2012 Benchmarking Report, and I know she will do a fantastic job coordinating the many partners, advisors and agencies who help make this resource possible." 

Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and made possible through additional support from AARP and Planet Bike. To download or purchase a hard copy of the report visit www.PeoplePoweredMovement.org/benchmarking.