Walk + Bike Carlsbad Launches
The City of Carlsbad,
Circulate San Diego and the
San Diego County Bicycle Coalition
announced today the launch of Walk + Bike Carlsbad, a campaign to
promote walking and biking in Carlsbad, just in time for those seeking
fitness and lifestyle changes in the new year. The 12-month effort,
funded with a grant by the San Diego Association of Governments, will
encourage more walking and biking throughout the city, with a special
emphasis on the Village area.
City of Carlsbad Associate Planner Pam Drew said Carlsbad is a perfect place for a campaign like Walk + Bike.
“With
new bike racks, bike lanes and lighting, it is easier than ever to walk
and bike in Carlsbad Village,” said Drew, who is overseeing the
campaign for the city. “Walk + Bike fits right in with the community’s
values around healthy lifestyles, connectivity, sustainability and
economic vitality.”
The
San Diego Association of Governments
provides “active transportation” grants to support the reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions, alleviate traffic congestion and improve
public health throughout the region. The Walk + Bike Carlsbad campaign
will serve as a model for the San Diego region to be replicated in other
cities for similar campaigns.
According to
America Walks,
nearly half of the trips made by car in the U.S. are under one mile.
These short, one-mile trips equate to a less than five minute bicycle
ride or a 20 minute walk. Walk + Bike Carlsbad encourages turning these
short driving trips into walking and bicycling trips.
Circulate
San Diego Executive Director Jim Stone said, “Walk + Bike is a natural
fit for Carlsbad because it is such a great environment for these kinds
of activities. With the campaign, we’re suggesting people leave the car
in the driveway for those short trips around town, rather than driving.
Taking this step allows you to rediscover the joy, beauty, and benefits
of walking and biking.”
The campaign will include
events,
outreach to schools, business promotions and other activities
throughout the year. In January, casual walk and bike “meetups” will be
held, along with the campaign’s first mobility workshop on Jan. 31 at
the Carlsbad Senior Center. More details about these events can be found
on the campaign website at
www.carlsbadca.gov/walkbike.
San
Diego County Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Andy Hanshaw said,
“We are excited to partner with the city and Circulate San Diego on this
campaign and to host the first Walk + Bike mobility workshop on Jan.
31. The City of Carlsbad has already made significant investments in its
walking and biking infrastructure by putting in bike racks and adding
crosswalks. We hope the workshops and other events will help encourage
the community to take advantage of this infrastructure by walking and
biking more.”
This campaign builds on recent improvements made as
part of the city’s “livable streets” program, which aims to make city
streets more accessible to people using all modes of transportation, not
just vehicles. In addition to the new bike racks and crosswalks, the
city has made it easier to walk or bike by improving bike lanes, adding
new bike lanes and “sharrows,” widening sidewalks and improving signage
and lighting. Many of these projects were made possible through SANDAG
grants.
“The City of Carlsbad is proud to partner on Walk + Bike
Carlsbad with the region’s leading experts in active transportation,“
said Drew. “We’re excited to be seen as a model in promoting active
transportation and working with our partners. Their expertise, combined
with the city’s investment in better infrastructure for walkers and
bicyclists, will be important for the campaign’s success. We also need
the community’s participation in the events and activities that will
take place throughout the year.”
For more information, visit
www.carlsbadca.gov/walkbike.
For more information
Pam Drew, 760- 602-4644,
pam.drew@carlsbadca.gov
City media contact
Kristina Ray,
760-434-2957,
kristina.ray@carlsbadca.gov
