The Vermont Transportation Efficiency Network (VTEN), convened semi-annually by the Vital Communities Transportation Program, met on Monday, September 18 to discuss community-driven multi-modal improvements in Brattleboro and a new statewide transportation advocacy coalition.
Eight attendees (including the VC transportation team) rode Amtrak’s Vermonter train to and from the meeting. Several other attendees took alternative forms of transportation to the meeting, including Better Bike co founder, Nevin Murray. Nevin brought the PEBL (above & right), a bio-based pedal electric vehicle, to the meeting to showcase what’s possible when the definition of transportation isn’t limited to the automobile. Dave Cohen of vBike brought several of his e-assist cargo bikes too (below).
The afternoon featured a panel with Dave Cohen, Larry Lewack of the Vermont Rail Action Network, and Dr. Becky Jones, a Brattleboro dermatologist and member of the Vermont Climate and Health Alliance. The three shared challenges and successes in their efforts to make Brattleboro healthier and more vibrant and multi-modal.
Kate McCarthy from Vermont Natural Resources Council led the group in a conversation about a new statewide coalition that aims to collate the voices of transportation stakeholders and effectively advocate for policy change at the state level.
Many thanks to all who attended last Monday! If you weren’t able to make it, you can check out the meeting takeaways and other information about VTEN here.