Via Momentum Mag

Have you been in Washington, DC and New York City recently? These two cities, along with a growing number of other American cities, offer a great bikesharing programs. A good majority of the users of these systems are women, who have fondly embraced cycling (not just as a workout but also for many other reasons) and the numbers are growing rapidly as the popularity of the bikesharing continues to expand across the country.

A recent report from League of American Bicyclists shows a growing a trend seen on streets nationwide: Women are changing the face of bicycling, and bicycling is transforming the lives of women. Momentum Mag, in conjunction with League of American Bicyclists, has put together an infographic that highlights 10 common myths about women cycling, which is filled with all kinds of interesting statistics.  Check it out

Image Courtesy: Momentum Mag

Click here to download the high-resolution version.

While we are at it, let me also share the Women on a Roll report, which serves as the basis for this infograph.

Job Title: Planner II

Closing Date/Time: Mon. 10/21/13 5:00 PM Pacific Time

Salary: $4,223.25 – $6,015.00 Monthly ($50,679.00 – $72,180.00 Annually)

Job Type: Non-Union Regular Full-Time

Location: 710 NE Holladay, Portland, Oregon

Responsibilities
Provide planning programming and implementation support associated with TriMet’s service capital planning and scheduling programs. Conduct research and technical analysis, field investigation and documentation. Lead internal and external projects with stakeholders.

Provide coordination between TriMet and government agencies and participation in programs, plans and projects. Understand and reflect in all planning and conceptual design efforts the safety and operational needs of TriMet services.

Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Perform related work as required.

Essential Functions:

1. Assist in the conception, development and implementation of a variety of transit service planning projects and activities; work with jurisdictional representatives in developing and implementing plans and projects consistent with departmental objectives. Perform related research, data collection and analysis.

2. Provide support and analysis for service planning and scheduling, especially annual service plan, quarterly service changes and new service development.

3. Under general supervision, develop and manage project contracts and grants. Assign work to contractors, monitor contractor performance, document deficiencies in performance, communicate with the contractor and assure contract compliance with contract specifications.

4. Support TriMet capital, service policy and agency planning with proactive project management including the public, stakeholders and other jurisdictions.

5. Perform analysis, prepare documentation, formulate solutions to operations problems and write reports as assigned.

6. Stay abreast of new techniques in transportation planning, project management and computerized technical analysis.

7. Work with citizens, interest groups and representatives from other governmental agencies on transit planning projects.

8. Prepare draft transit plans and programs for implementation.

9. Conduct analysis and tasks to support new capital projects, service planning and jurisdictional planning and coordination activities.

10. Prepare maps and other analysis and presentation documentation, using GIS, Excel, and other computer-based tools.

Position Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in City or Urban Planning, Engineering, Business, Systems Analysis, Public Administration or a related field.

Two years of experience in Planning or a similar field. Related work experience in transportation planning and operations may substitute for education requirement on a year-to-year basis.

Or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Selection Criteria:

1. Knowledge of principles and practices of transit, planning principles, operations and analysis.

2. Knowledge of project planning management techniques.

3. Intermediate skills with Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, database applications and other software applications. Project management, graphics, GIS application experience desirable. Demonstrated proficiency to accurately keyboard (type).

3. Ability to communicate effectively in oral, written and graphic form.

4. Ability to lead tasks and manage consultants contracts on time and on budget.

5. Ability to prioritize work and effectively coordinate the work of others.

6. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and the general public, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities and/or other vulnerable populations.

7. Ability to produce clear technical as well as public documents.

8. Ability to research a variety of data sources for analysis that leads to a conclusion, recommendation and/or report.

9. Ability to focus on essentials of tasks and produce focused and timely results.

10. Ability to work productively and cooperatively with divergent groups within and outside the agency.

Click here to learn more and apply

Image: Command Center of the RMT (via technositaf.it)

Although the utopians have talked about intelligent transportation since the 1950s, in the real-world terms it’s still a very new concept. The EU began work on the intelligent transportation systems (ITS) framework in the early part of last decade, the U.S. Department of Transport hosted its first Connected Vehicle workshop earlier this year; and truly coordinated and integrated transportation systems exist only as computer simulations or localized pilot schemes. But the potential for the ITS is tremendous and it was fully recognized at this year’s Smart Mobility World exhibition held from 25th – 27th September in Turin, Italy.

The highlight of the exhibition was the Road Management Tool Project (RMT) – a collaboration between the Turin city council and Tecnositaf S.p.A. It’s a 16,000-mile long network of integrated road communications featuring an independent uniform data network. The network is able to capture and transmit precise geo-referenced data (video surveillance, audio and real-time measurements) across a single network and store it all in a single database.The data will be accessible to both the authorities and drivers enabling them to make better decisions and avoid congestion.

There have been attempts to build similar systems in Europe but they have always failed because they involved several departments arguing with each other and trying to make various alien data formats compatible with each other. The RMT boasts a modular design. New functionality can be added-on, and the network can be expanded as far as necessary.

Connected Vehicles joining the Network

Once the RMT system has been tested locally, it’s expected the same concept would spread around the whole country. It is likely that other countries will look to implement a similar system.

The beauty of RMT is that its basis is so simple – the architecture is built around the IP protocol – standard that is used on a wide variety of connected devices. It’s much cheaper to use because you’ll be able to log on using your existing PC or mobile device. Since the RMT is compatible with other technologies, it will make sense for the car manufacturers to comply with the network and build cars that can communicate with the RMT directly.

The organizers of Smart Mobility World have estimated that the global market value for the Connected Vehicle is currently around $17.5 billion but is expected to explode to $52.5 billion by 2018.

It may be a conservative estimate because currently the concept of Connected Vehicle is rather vague. It includes stuff that is not really connected – night vision system, lane departure warning and automatic parking system. Once you equip a car with WiFi or mobile broadband and plug these safety systems into the city’s “cloud,” you get something that is truly connected. Something that can communicate with other members of traffic and make clever decisions to cut emissions and improve safety!

Note: The overview of this year’s Smart Mobility World exhibition was prepared by Arvid Linde from Creditplus.co.uk car blog. Arvid is a transport engineer and author of several motoring books. Photo via tecnositaf.it.

Got these vacancy announcement though the grapevine. Attached are the 3 Director-level positions for which Austin B-Cycle Bike Share system is accepting resumes for right now with the goal of hiring by mid-October and a November 11 start date. There will also be some hourly fleet balancing staff we will be hiring once we have selected the Operations Director.

Image courtesy: Austin B-Cycle Bike Share

Austin Bike Share – Finance Director

Austin Bike Share – Operations Director

Austin Bike Share – Marketing Director

If you have any questions, reach Exec. Director Elliott McFadden (elliott@bikeshareofaustin.com).  Good luck to all applicants.

In its 5th year, the North America Strategic Infrastructure Leadership Forum will present the top 50 infrastructure projects required for bringing the world back to growth and job-producing competitiveness. These projects offer tremendous business opportunities for financial, equipment and technology, engineering and construction firms as well as for the public sector. Projects presented include surface transportation, water and wastewater, new and traditional energy, urban mass transportation, oil & energy, ports & logistics and digital infrastructure.

Transportgooru is excited to be a media partner for this important event that brings together practitioners and policymakers engaged in the infrastructure conversations.  Hope I can get to meet some of you at this event. Here is what you get for registering:

• Short, clear, project presentations of the Top Infrastructure Projects
• Pre-scheduled private meetings with project presenters and event sponsors
• Topical workshops and round tables
• Multiple networking opportunities
• Participant contact information
• Cocktail opening reception

Dates: OCTOBER 29 – 31, 2013.

Location: MAYFLOWER RENAISSANCE HOTEL, WASHINGTON, DC

Registration:  Click here to learn more and to register for the event.

via Journal of Commerce

Did you know?

• Truck driving is the eighth most dangerous occupation in the U.S., based on fatality rates per 100,000 workers.
• For all workers, transportation was dangerous. Transportation incidents accounted for two out of five workplace deaths in 2012.
• Truck drivers had a 22.1 fatality rate in 2012, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Image courtesy: Journal of Commerce

The National Association of Regional Councils (NARC) is seeking a full time Director to manage its transportation program. The qualified candidate will assume duties under the Executive Director and manage and grow a comprehensive transportation technical assistance and policy program. Duties include working with association members, research and project management, outreach and partnership development, drafting papers and correspondence, analyzing policy issues, working with Congress and the Administration, managing portions of conferences and meetings, and addressing transportation technical issues.

The preferred candidate will have a Master Degree in Transportation Planning, Community Planning, or Public Policy (or associated degree), five to ten years previous experience in a transportation, community development or policy field, and have experience working with an association and/or public or private agency in policy, research, or grassroots development. The preferred candidate should have worked with Congress and/or the Administration and be familiar with Congressional education and processes. The candidate will have excellent writing and communication skills, be team oriented, understand basic office productivity software and be web smart.

Salary and benefits package, full time position, travel required, EOE employer, position open until filled.

NARC serves 250+ members representing Regional Councils and Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) in transportation, environment, homeland security, and economic development.

How to Apply:

Candidate must submit a resume and cover letter electronically to jobs@narc.org  No Phone Calls or Faxes Please.

The Alliance for Biking & Walking is seeking a full-time Outreach Coordinator to work from our DC office as part of the Advocacy Advance program.  Advocacy Advance is a dynamic partnership of the Alliance for Biking & Walking and the League of American Bicyclists to boost local and state bicycle and pedestrian advocacy efforts. Advocacy Advance provides targeted trainings, reports, grants and technical assistance to equip advocates with the specific tools they need to increase biking and walking investments in their communities. To find out more, please visit www.AdvocacyAdvance.org.

The Advocacy Advance Outreach Coordinator will work directly with advocacy organizations and agency staff to increase the awareness of funding programs for walking and biking projects and programs and share best practices in securing and utilizing this funding at the state and local level nationwide. The work of the Outreach Coordinator will have a particular emphasis on communicating the health benefits of walking and biking and related funding opportunities.  Work includes social media communications, health research and outreach, sharing best practices of advocacy organizations, field travel and database management.

Outreach Coordinator Responsibilities
Health Research and Outreach:
•    Research and communicate about the health benefits of active transportation and health-related funding, policies and advocacy
•    Conduct outreach to member organizations on applicable issues to support their advocacy campaigns and organizational development, particularly related to the health impacts of transportation policy and funding
•    Create resources for transportation advocates, agencies and the health community explaining the connection between transportation planning, funding and safe, accessible infrastructure
•    Work with local, state and national partners to provoke a national conversation about the health benefits of walking
•    Turn technical research and policy reports into easy-to-understand resources for general audiences, including the health community
•    Maintain the Advocacy Advance website and promote resources through social media, including blogs and photos

Advocacy and Organizational Support:
•    Gather and share examples of how advocates and agency staff have successful won and used public funding for pedestrian and bicycle projects and programs
•    Review grant reports and member activities and share best practices among advocacy members
•    Facilitate / present at workshops, conferences and webinars
•    Perform other administrative duties as needed

Qualifications
Essential:
•    Strong oral and written communication skills
•    1-3 years experience in nonprofit outreach, communications, research, or related field
•    Familiarity with InDesign
•    Familiarity with web site management, HTML and database tools
•    Experience with social media management or organizations
•    Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
•    Interest in pedestrian and bicycle advocacy and health issues
•    Track record of working well on team projects
•    Cheerful, friendly and upbeat outlook

Helpful:
•    Familiarity with Salesforce
•    Knowledge of bicycle and pedestrian projects and programs nationwide
•    Interest in transportation policy and funding
•    Hands-on work with state and local advocacy organizations and agency staff
•    Specific experience working with national non-profit organizations

Compensation 
Compensation will be relative to experience with health and retirement benefits. The Advocacy Advance Outreach Coordinator reports to the Advocacy and Programs Director.

Timeline and How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply to Brighid O’Keane, Advocacy and Programs Director, at applications@PeoplePoweredMovement.org with “Advocacy Advance Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line.  All applicants should include a cover letter, resume and professional writing sample (no college papers, please). Optional additions include a link to a personal or social media account you have managed and a design sample.  The final deadline for applications is 12 Noon EDT, Thursday, August 29th 2013. Finalists will be contacted for interviews.

Equal Opportunity Employment:  The Alliance for Biking & Walking is an equal opportunity employer. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the Alliance
The Alliance for Biking & Walking is the only national organization that trains, assists, empowers and strengthens community leaders and their organizations to transform communities through better bicycling and walking. With more than 200 state and local bicycle and pedestrian organizations employing hundreds of professionals in nearly every city and state, our people powered movement is transforming communities and the country.

Mission
The Alliance for Biking & Walking creates, strengthens and unites state/province and local bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations.

Vision
Every community benefits from the fun, practicality and efficiency of biking and walking. In 2020, one-third of all trips in North America will be made by bicycling and walking for all reasons ranging from personal health and environmental sustainability, to economic necessity and moral responsibility.

Click here to apply

Related articles

• Women and Biking: Achieving Gender Equality
• The Stop as Yield Concept: What Do You Think?
• “There aren’t any.”
• Bike Cleveland

via Huffingtonpost

Apparently this is how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (covers U.S. Customs and Border Patrol) takes care of imported vehicles with falsified documentation.. As Huffingtonpost notes,  this Land Rover Defender reached the Port of Baltimore with falsified identification numbers, claiming to be an older model.  But when the USCBP folks found out that this model is in fact newer and tinkered with to look “vintage”, they decided to junk it because it does not comply with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency regulations.  The seized vehicle — estimated to be worth $25,000 overseas but as much as $150,000 in the U.S. — was considered “illegal and unsafe,” officials said. Such a non-compliant vehicle cannot be imported unless it is at least 25 years old, officials said.   It seems that dozens of similar Defender vehicles have been seized in recent months at ports around the country and one can only imagine the rivers of tears shed by the owners when they learned the fate.