Active Transportation Action Group

Interested in Walking, Wheeling, Cycling, or Public Transit?

If you answered yes, then you are interested in Active Transportation!

Did you know? Transportation is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in our region. At Thurston Climate Action Team (TCAT) we are working to lower CO2 emissions so we have cleaner air, improve the health of people and the environment, and stop Global Warming!

Increasing access to, and prioritizing development of, active transportation reduces a household's reliance on driving fossil fuel-dependent vehicles.

Greater use of sustainable transportation - walking, wheeling, cycling, and public transit - provides us with opportunities for physical activity and reduces the harms to health from motorized vehicles. Those harms include air pollution, road traffic collisions, and various effects from increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Group members receive a monthly news email. At each meeting we share news and updates and make progress on action projects.

Here are actions that the TCAT Active Transportation Action Group is considering or already working on:

• Advocate for more active transportation in the comprehensive planning process or through other policies that prioritize transportation.
• Advocate at the legislature for bills that improve and encourage active transportation.
• Volunteer for specific projects that will support active transportation planning and improvements, such as field data gathering, surveys, or trail work.
• Host education events.

The group usually meets the third Thursday of the month via Zoom.

Please contact Karen Messmer if you are interested in joining this group, .

 

History: This is a group that has been in existence over the past decade as the Community Design Action Team within the Thurston Thrives community health initiative. The group has re-formed with an emphasis on both climate mitigation and health.

Here are some of the things we accomplished in a decade of existence with Thurston Thrives:

• Provided community design training by national experts for local staff and advocates
• Hosted a Washington State Active Transportation workshop in Olympia in 2022
• Mapped connections to the regional trail system and facilitated the establishment of new connections, winning a Healthy Community Challenge award and funding from the county
• Mapped existing and potential connections in the Tumwater street system
• Advocated for increased funding and support for safe walking and cycling conditions
• Supported improved walking and cycling conditions for students through the Safe Routes to School and Walk and Roll programs