Registration open for livable communities conference to address transportation solutions
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Registration continues through Saturday, June 1, for the sixth annual Summer Conference on Livable Communities at Western Michigan University.
The focus of the conference is to explore improving the quality of life by advancing more balanced, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation systems. The annual event draws transportation researchers, educators, students, advocates, community members, policymakers and transportation practitioners.
Held at Floyd Hall on the Parkview Campus, the event runs Thursday and Friday, June 6-7, and is hosted by the Transportation Research Center for Livable Communities, a Tier 1 University Transportation Center funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Free parking is provided for all conference attendees in the East Parking Deck behind Floyd Hall.
The theme of this year's conference is "Smart Mobility Toward Building Livable Communities," discussing how recent technological advances in transportation and the new mobility options will contribute to building livable communities by proving alternative transportation options and assisting those who have limited transportation options.
Sessions include such topics as innovations on active transportation, safe mobility for the elderly and people with disabilities, public transportation and shared use mobility, pedestrian and bicycle transportation, and technology for people with limited transportation options. In addition, graduate students will share their research on numerous transportation topics and participate in poster presentations.
Fees are $30 for students, $50 for speakers and $100 for all other attendees. Seating is limited. To register or for more information, visit wmich.edu/transportationcenter/programs/conferencehome.
Keynote speaker
Dr. Robert Schneider, an associate professor in the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Department of Urban Planning has 20 years of experience in the sustainable transportation field and has served as chair of the Transportation Research Board Committee on Pedestrians since 2014.
He has led more than 25 peer-reviewed journal papers, contributing to international research on pedestrian and bicycle safety, demand analysis, and travel behavior. Schneider teaches a pedestrian and bicycle planning course and contributes to local and national conversations on active transportation.
Transportation Center for Livable Communities
The Transportation Center for Livable Communities is a consortium led by WMU and includes Utah State University, Tennessee State University, University of Texas at Arlington, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.
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