Walk & Roll Advocacy
Norte believes that people of all ages and abilities have the right to walk and roll safely, wherever they need to go. The destination could be a school, park or beach, businesses, or public transit—you name it. We’re in support of making it more inviting and enjoyable to walk or roll everywhere. Norte’s walk & roll advocacy makes this a reality by working alongside awe-inspiring people, organizations, and communities.
WHAT WE DO
Our goal is ever-improving walk, bike, and roll infrastructure, policies, and budgets. Norte’s advocacy efforts accomplish this by leading the charge for Safe Routes to School programs across Northern Michigan and creating a model for putting kids on bikes year-round. In addition, we offer hands-on training for citizen advocates of all ages through the Advocate Academy and the Explore Academy. Norte also hosts walking audits, planning events, and community surveying—please, take our rolling, annual Community Walk, Bike Survey.
Norte is raising awareness and promoting policies that advance complete streets, traffic calming, and equitable access. We are a source of information on new infrastructure advances, like the HAWK Signals on Grandview Parkway and the protected bike lanes on 8th Street. Additionally, we encourage and assist our partners in walking the talk through our Business Champions program. This program also hosts our Excellent Bike Parking initiative.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Do you value complete neighborhoods where a trip to the store, school, or park is a walk or short bike ride away? Would you like to see a higher priority given to walking and biking on your local streets?
While Norte is committed to building a stronger, better connected, more walk and roll-friendly community, we are only one piece of the puzzle. To see our vision through, we need many voices. We need your voice to help advocate for safe, convenient, and accessible opportunities. We need you to champion biking, walking, and rolling year-round.
Start by letting us know what is important to you and signing up for Norte’s advocacy updates. Then, click through to explore further steps you can take – walk the walk!
If you’re interested in Norte’s advocacy work, please email Norte’s Advocacy Director Gary Howe at gary@elgruponorte.org.
