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PeopleForBikes offers European study tours to more U.S. cities

Published September 19, 2014

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — PeopleForBikes’ Green Lane Project will offer representatives of all U.S. cities the opportunity next summer to tour the renowned cycling infrastructure of urban centers in Northern Europe and participate in intensive five-day workshops on how they can transform their streets back home.

Over the past five years, PeopleForBikes has brought more than 250 Americans from its Green Lane Project focus cities — including politicians, business leaders, engineers, planners and community advocates — to European cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen and smaller towns in the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden to see how they have made biking a normal, desirable part of everyday life. Participants in these study tours meet the professionals and civic leaders who have led their countries' livability booms.

“The surge of interest in protected bike lanes in cities and towns across the country is making city leaders, transportation departments and planners want to better understand and refine the way they are designing their streets,” said Martha Roskowski, vice president of local innovation for PeopleForBikes. “Green Lane Project study tours have been the most effective part of the program for catalyzing local progress. We’re excited to offer this tool to leading cities nationwide.”

PeopleForBikes study tours are designed for “teams of cross-sector innovators, change agents and urban visionaries.” Public-sector staff and officials are typically the backbone of a delegation, along with leaders from the private, academic, institutional, nonprofit and philanthropy sectors. Cities and regions must apply as a delegation of four to 12. Individuals are not eligible, with rare exceptions.

Cost is $4,000 per delegate, and includes five nights in single-occupancy hotel rooms, all meals, all ground transportation, course materials and professional guide services. Airfare is not included.

Cities are encouraged to submit an application by Oct. 1 for the best chance to secure preferred dates. Applications will be accepted until all 100 spots are filled. A deposit will be due Dec. 1 to lock in dates.

More information: PeopleForBikes.org

Topics associated with this article: Advocacy/Non-profits

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