I love the feeling of getting where I need to go on my own steam. When I can bike and walk, I feel healthy, independent, connected to my neighborhood and my home…I love staying in touch with the seasons, and experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the world. Leaving my door and being able to get wherever I want to go on foot or by bike, safely and comfortably, every day – that’s how I have come to define quality of life for myself. I am passionate about creating the kinds of communities where more people can experience this same quality of life, more often, and I feel incredibly lucky to have found a profession that allows me to take on this challenge.
Jessica Roberts joined Alta in September 2006. Ms. Roberts manages Alta’s education, promotion, and marketing programs, including Personal Travel Planning (individualized marketing) programs, Safe Routes to School programs, program grantwriting, and designing education, encouragement, and outreach programs. She is a frequent speaker at conferences.
Recent Projects
- Way to Go Sausalito! (Marin County, CA) [link]
This three-year individualized marketing program is a key part of WalkBikeMarin (Marin County’s implementation of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program). This three-year program will reduce drive-alone trips in the cities of Sausalito, San Rafael, Greenbrae/Larkspur, and Novato. The program uses proven methods to increase walking, bicycling, and transit use through a three-pronged approach: a) offering customized information packets to every resident; b) leading twice-weekly group walks, bicycle rides, and classes; and c) outreach at community events. - Pedestrian Safety Education Program (Seattle, WA)
Every second grader at four elementary schools was taught how to cross the street in this innovative pilot program. Trained instructors began with an in-class session about sign recognition, the ‘pedestrian safety toolbox,’ and songs and drills about pedestrian safety and street crossing. The second session was a community walkabout where students practiced their new street crossing skills with adult supervision. - Employer Walking and Bicycling Training (Portland, OR)
Ms. Roberts designed and taught a three-hour Bicycling and Walking Programs training aimed at workplace transportation coordinators. The course was commissioned by the Westside Transportation Alliance and will be offered by Portland Community College annually as part of their Workforce Training Center. Over 30 attendees took the course, which covered both the “whys” and “hows” of workplace programs that promote walking and bicycling. Participants learned to set goals and evaluate programs, and real-life examples were used to illustrate national best practices in walking and bicycling programs. - Bicycle Interactions and Streetcars Report (Portland, OR)
Ms. Roberts researched international policies, practices, and lessons learned for this report on bicycle and streetcar facilities. A thorough survey of Portland-area bicyclists was also administered, with over 1500 respondents. Based on this research, the report introduces recommendations for accommodating bicycles with streetcars in North American cities. Ms. Roberts researched international policies, practices, and lessons learned for this report on bicycle and streetcar facilities. A thorough survey of Portland-area bicyclists was also administered, with over 1500 respondents. Based on this research, the report introduces recommendations for accommodating bicycles with streetcars in North American cities.
Professional Organizations
- Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP)
- Women’s Transportation Seminar, Portland chapter
- Bicycle Transportation Alliance
