Subsector: Neighborhood Design
Establish Active Transportation Stakeholder Groups
VMT Reduction Potential: 3
Cost: 1
ROI: 3
StanCOG Relevancy: 4
Land Use Content: Urban, Suburban, Rural
Trip Type: School, Residential, Commute, Recreation
Scale: Regional
Timing: Short Term (1-3 years)
Implementors-Public: Municipalities, Regional Agencies
References: StanCOG Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee; StanCOG Active Transportation Toolkit; StanCOG Walk and Roll Stanislaus campaign

Description

Establishing active transportation stakeholder groups that have input on the design and programming of active transportation projects within the region creates a platform for collaboration and feedback among community members, planners, and local authorities, improving engagement and stakeholder buy-in for projects.

Implementation Details

  • Strengthen and expand StanCOG’s existing Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee as a regional stakeholder forum.
  • Convene regular meetings involving jurisdictions, schools, transit agencies, public health organizations, and community advocates.
  • Use the group to prioritize active transportation projects, identify barriers to VMT reduction, and shape equity-centered implementation actions.
  • Offer stipends or transportation reimbursements to ensure participation from low-income, youth, and senior stakeholders.

Mitigation Potential

Establishing active transportation stakeholder groups can influence policy and planning, build community support, and identify barriers to reduce VMT within the community. The collaboration and cross-agency communication encourages municipalities to provide non- Single Occupancy Vehicle options, reducing the reliance on personal vehicles. While there are no quantification methods for this strategy, it is often a first step in effectively achieving other strategies in this toolbox.

Linked Strategies

Equity Considerations

Actively include representatives from historically excluded groups such as low-income residents, youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Offer stipends or travel reimbursements to support participation. Hosting meetings in various cities, especially in underserved areas, ensures geographic equity and local input. Prioritizing safety and access concerns from these communities can build trust and improve outcomes.

Funding Sources

Unlikely to require additional funding, but will require dedicated staff time for coordination.

Examples/Case Studies

StanCOG Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee

StanCOG already maintains a Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee as part of its regional bicycle and pedestrian program. The committee provides an existing institutional framework that could be expanded to support broader active transportation stakeholder coordination.