My dad not only taught me how to ride, he also instilled in me his love of cycling. Even now, he rides nearly 20,000 miles a season. That's what inspires me, seeing regular folks and folks of all ages riding. I want them to feel the joy I feel when I tool around on my bike - but how to do that? When I learned that planners don't just review development projects I signed up for grad school. At San José State, I focused my work on pedestrian and bike issues. I also interned at Oakland's Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program where I worked on bike parking neighborhood plans, bike parking requirements for development, and wayfinding. Working at Alta helps me realize my passion for better transportation networks and I get to ride to work every day. What could be better than that?
Jennifer brings strong skills in transportation planning, policy analysis and research to the team. Since joining Alta, she has developed bicycle master plans, developed survey methodologies, and contributed to pedestrian master plans. Jennifer has also contributed to Alta’s research projects investigating count methodologies, the relationships between land use and bicycle and pedestrian activity, and methods to improve safety at multilane roundabouts. Prior to joining Alta, Ms. Donlon was instrumental in the development of neighborhood bicycle parking plans and wayfinding guidelines in Oakland.
Recent Projects
Alameda County UPRR Corridor Improvement Study
The Alameda County UPRR Corridor Improvement Study was a feasibility analysis of a 17 mile continuous multi-use path along the Union Pacific Railroad Corridor between the Fruitvale and Union City BART Stations. The study investigated numerous opportunities and constraints including rail operations, available right-of-way, adjacent land uses, and functional characteristics supportive of a regional multi-use path. Jennifer’s contributions included review of potential alignment options, alignment option analysis and development of the recommended path alignment.
National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project
The goal of the NBPD is to assist communities in conducting consistent and useful counts and surveys of bicyclist and pedestrians. Alta is partnered with the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, and other groups in this effort. Jennifer has created training manuals, training presentations and assisted communities with volunteer training.
- San Benito County Bikeway and Pedestrian Master Plan
For the San Benito Council of Governments, Jennifer’s involvement includes analysis of existing plans and policies as they relate to the Bikeway and Pedestrian Master Plan, public involvement, needs analysis, and the development of project recommendations. San Joaquin County Bicycle Master Plan Update
Alta is working with San Joaquin County on its Bicycle Master Plan Update. The County has been historically agricultural but recent growth has increased the urban and suburban areas in the county. The county has many unique opportunities for bicycle facilities including the existing rail and irrigation systems. Jennifer’s involvement includes public involvement, needs analysis, development of the proposed system, and the implementation plan.
Awards
Professional Organizations
- American Planning Association
- Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals
- Women’s Transportation Seminar
