Greenville Transit Authority receives 2016 Every Body Walk! Micro Grant
January 12, 2017
America Walks, a national advocacy organization that promotes walking and walkable communities, has awarded Greenville Transit Authority (GTA) with a 2016 Every Body Walk! Micro Grant. In its second year, the micro grant program provides funds to support grassroots efforts aimed at getting communities walking and creating safe, accessible and enjoyable places to walk and be physically active. America Walks selected GTA, which received $3,000, from over 800 applicants.
“To make and keep walking and walkability a priority in neighborhoods and communities so these benefits are available to all, a strong, connected group of local advocates and dedicated organizations is needed,” said Kate Kraft, Executive Director of America Walks. “This grant program aims to support and grow this network of advocates and organizations.” With partners such as WalkBoston and the American College of Sports Medicine, and additional funding from TransitCenter, a national foundation dedicated to improving urban public transit, the program will support 22 projects in 2017. Funded projects will increase walking and the benefits of walkability in communities, work to develop the walking movement by growing the number and diversity of people and organizations pushing for more walkability and make walking safe, easy and enjoyable for all community members.
TransitCenter’s research has shown that transit ridership depends on good walking environments, and planners need advocates to demonstrate the importance of these connections. As a result, TransitCenter has partnered with America Walks to support six groups that are working creatively to increase pedestrian access to transit and build complete networks in their communities.
“According to the Center for Disease Control, senior citizens and children are the most susceptible to pedestrian fatality accidents and research indicates that more than one-third of Greenville’s population falls into these categories,” said Nicole McAden, Greenlink’s Marketing and Program Specialist. “To better support them and all residents, Greenlink will use this grant to upgrade the infrastructure at an existing bus stop to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians accessing transit.”
About America Walks
America Walks is the only national organization devoted exclusively to making America a great place to walk. America Walks consists of a network of more than 700 partner and allied organizations, working to increase walking and create more safe, accessible and inclusive places to walk. Programs include on-line technical assistance, community-based workshops, convenings such as the National Walking Summit, federal advocacy initiatives and increasing financial resources for local action. America Walks also maintains the Every Body Walk! Collaborative, a national partnership focused on increasing the visibility of walking and cultivating consumer demand for more walkable places. More info at www.americawalks.org.
