To increase physical activity opportunities available through schools over the long term, we need to put it in writing – through policy.

The Alliance for Biking and Walking recently released its 2016 Benchmarking Report, a biennial update on walking and biking across the United States intended to promote access to data, measure progress, support policy and advocacy efforts, and connect to health initiatives. More than half of member organizations in the Alliance for Biking and Walking are involved in Safe Routes to School efforts.

While we could only give one Hubsmith award, we were impressed by all of the dedicated individuals who were nominated for an award. We’ll be profiling each of the nominees over the next few months and look forward to lifting up great work from all around the country.

After the wrap-up of the 2016 Safe Routes to School Conference in Columbus, OH, we’ve been getting a lot of inquiries about when the next conference will take place. Thanks again to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission for hosting an informative, inspiring, and fun gathering that has generated even more interest and excitement around bringing together advocates and practitioners from across the country for information-sharing and networking.

Fired Up! That’s the best way I can describe the energy on the first day of the 3rd Safe Routes to School National Conference, which is being held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. About 600 people from nearly every state in the US came here seeking to learn, share and build connections so that they can go home with new tools to improve their communities, making them safer for kids to walk and bike – improving health, communities and the environment.