July '24 Newsletter

Last month, MTI Deputy Executive Director Dr. Hilary Nixon traveled to Crownpoint, New Mexico, for the 7th annual Summer STEM & Skills Program Maker Faire. Students from Navajo Technical University (NTU)—the largest tribal college in the U.S.—and Wingate High School presented at the event, showcasing projects from the five programs: welding, construction, business, culinary arts, and engineering. The sixty students who participated in this event and the programs leading up to it are able to gain valuable insights and firsthand experience honing important skills that will empower them to pursue their educational and career goals. Workforce and educational programs such as this are vital in ensuring the success of the transportation industry and other STEAM-driven fields. This particular program has a special importance as it also further connects students and community members to issues important to Diné culture. Roy Tracy, Director of Educational Research and Statistics for the Department of Diné Education said at the event, “Take your education seriously. Continuing Diné language and culture is crucial, and self-esteem is a big factor in success. We have faith in you and want you to succeed. So, students, get involved in your community and local governance and run for office.” MTI is proud to be a part of this program and event!

Not Just Checking a Box: What Does Effective Stakeholder Engagement in Public Transit Look Like?

Public transit agencies must engage with stakeholders to be effective. However, many agencies struggle with such engagement, and efforts often become mere box-checking exercises or are derailed. Based on direct experience and research, the authors highlight strategies for stakeholder engagement that have proven more genuine and effective in achieving critical goals and milestones for transit agencies. These include building relationships continuously, engaging as a public service, and finally, knowing when it is time to move forward. If transit agencies can better employ these strategies as they tackle challenging projects and initiatives, they are more likely to find successes that resonate with their stakeholders.

Older Adult-Friendly Active Mobility Infrastructure Toolkits: Understanding How Older Adults Experience Poorly Designed and Maintained Infrastructure 

This Perspective offers the view that planning and design guidelines based on ageing’s effect on a person’s mobility ignores how older adults actually experience the resulting mobility infrastructure. It begins with the interplay of three foundational tools for understanding how to support physical activity and active mobility for older adults: the Older Adult Typology of Physical Activity, Person-Environment Fit Theory, and the Life-Space Mobility Assessment tool. Based on both qualitative and quantitative work, the author identified nine characteristics of older adults’ experience such as insufficient capacity, uncertainty, and coherence. A description of specific experiences for older adults when using four groupings of active mobility infrastructure types –sidewalks, roadway crossings, public transit, and cycling infrastructure – provide additional inputs to planning and design for older adults.

Silicon Valley Clean Cities’ annual Ride-and-Drive event is a great opportunity that allows participants to test drive electric and alternately fueled vehicles. We hope that test-drivers will consider purchasing an electric vehicle and learn about the exciting world EVs. Electric vehicles are not only better for the environment but are generally more reliable than petroleum-fueled vehicles, run more smoothly and quietly, are very practical, easy to charge, and economical.

Ride-and-Drive participants have been able to get behind the wheel of vehicles from different manufacturers including Hyundai, Jaguar, Range Rover, Tesla, and Toyota. We hope that having this opportunity will both inspire test-drivers to consider purchasing an electric vehicle and educate attendees about the world of electric and alternatively fueled vehicles.

Join us at the 14th Annual Silicon Valley Bike Summit, the region's leading gathering for active transportation leaders and advocates. Following last year's sold-out success, this year's event promises to be even more impactful, uniting government officials, private sector innovators, non-profits, and community members committed to advancing cycling culture and infrastructure.

New this year is the Youth Leaders in Active Transportation Award, recognizing the contributions of young advocates. Connect with like-minded individuals, gain insights, and help shape the future of cycling in Silicon Valley and beyond. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of positive change and innovation in active transportation.