Safe Routes to School Manager Megan Ramey, right, accepts the Gail and Jim Spann Educator of the Year award from Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists at the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.
Safe Routes to School Manager Megan Ramey, right, accepts the Gail and Jim Spann Educator of the Year award from Bill Nesper, executive director of the League of American Bicyclists at the National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C.
HOOD RIVER — The City of Hood River has been awarded an Accelerated Mobility Playbook (AMP) Technical Grant from City Thread, a national non-profit organization that helps make communities safer and better connected through transportation.
City Thread’s Technical Assistance Grant "endeavors to support Hood River’s ongoing efforts to expand mobility options and improve transportation safety by providing expert guidance, facilitating collaboration among local leaders and stakeholders, and connecting the city with a national network of peer communities working toward similar goals," said a press release.
“Our community has been vocal about the need for safe and accessible transportation options, and council goals include creating a safer, more efficient transportation system for everyone,” said Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn. “The AMP program will help us create a practical roadmap for immediate action to reach those goals.”
The Hood River County School District (HRCSD) has also made meaningful progress in promoting safer, active transportation. Under the leadership of Megan Ramey, the region’s first Safe Routes to School (SRTS) manager, the district has implemented various programs, including bike education in physical education classes, bike donations to families in need, walk-and-roll school events, after-school bike clubs, and collaborative demonstration projects with the city to engage the community. As previously reported in Columbia Gorge News, Ramey was recently named Educator of the Year by the League of American Bicyclists in recognition of her efforts. The award honors individuals who elevate bike education in their state or community.
“Despite these successes, we recognize the importance of creating a seamless network of safe, convenient walking and biking routes to inspire more families and students to adopt active transportation for school and after-school activities,” said Bill Newton, HRCSD Superintendent. “This grant represents a valuable opportunity to further those efforts.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Hood River into our cohort of cities prioritizing mobility projects,” said Sara Studdard, City Thread partner. “We look forward to providing Hood River with the guidance and strategies needed to achieve its transportation goals faster than thought possible.”
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