“Active transportation” is a means of getting around that is powered by human energy, primarily walking and bicycling, using a wheelchair, or traveling to public transit. Making active transportation safe and convenient meets a critical need in our communities that benefits everyone. Active Transportation helps us to be healthier by being more physically active and having cleaner air to breathe. Families are better able to manage the cost of driving. Motorists benefit from less road congestion. Our neighbors without a vehicle are able to travel to work, shopping, and doctor appointments more safely and easily. Be Healthy Berrien is working to support active transportation networks across the county.
Active Transportation Team
Our partners across the county are teaming up to promote safe, convenient active transportation for all. If you would like to get involved in the Active Transportation Team, please contact us!
My Way There
>mywaythere.org
My Way There is a tool that helps people consider many different ways to get around Southwest Michigan, overcome transportation barriers and get to the places they need to go. My Way There will help you find a ride, find public transit, find mobility resources and more.
National Complete Streets Coalition
>smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets-coalition/
A Complete Streets approach integrates people and place in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of our transportation networks. This helps to ensure streets are safe for people of all ages and abilities, balance the needs of different modes, and support local land uses, economies, cultures, and natural environments.
The National Complete Streets Coalition, which launched this movement in 2004, promotes the development and implementation of Complete Streets policies and professional practices. To date, over 730 agencies at the local, regional, and state levels have adopted Complete Streets policies, totaling over 950 policies nationwide.
Safe Routes to Schools
>saferoutesmichigan.org/
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is an international movement—and now a federal program—to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children, including those with disabilities, to bicycle and walk to school. When routes are safe, walking or biking to and from school is an easy way to get the regular physical activity children need for good health. Safe Routes to School initiatives also help ease traffic jams and air pollution, unite neighborhoods, and contribute to students’ readiness to learn in school.