VDOT hires state bicycle coordinator

After a year and a half, VDOT has finally filled the state bicycle coordinator position. We've heard that John Bolecek, formerly of the US Department of Transportation, is the new coordinator. While at USDOT John represented the U.S. DOT on Michelle Obamas' Let's Move childhood obesity taskforce. He's a University of Virginia graduate who is the author of Local Planning and Promotion of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations: A Review and Analysis of Virginia Government Efforts.

This paper examines steps that the commonwealth and selected Virginia localities have taken to plan for bicycle and pedestrian transportation. To the extent feasible, it also analyzes the costs and benefits involved. Thus it can serve as a guide for Virginia localities that may be considering similar programs. Ideally, it will also foster increased communication among local and state officials about the benefits of bicycling and walking, as well as best practices.

This paper was written by John Bolecek, a recent graduate of the University of Virginia's Department of Urban and Environmental Planning. He works for the U.S. Department of Transportation as a transportation safety analyst and is a certified instructor for the National Safe Routes to Schools course. John wrote this report to fulfill the terms of the Wallerstein Scholarship, which he was awarded in 2008. The annual scholarship is awarded jointly by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia and the Virginia Municipal League.

We're excited that John will be working to make Virginia a more bicycle-friendly place, and that the Draft State Bicycling Policy Plan and the State Bicycle Advisory Committee will be revived.