Originally Posted by
John Forester
Regarding formal training for a bicycle transportation post, I have been very impressed by the course that Dan Gutierrez has been creating for California Dept. of Transportation. I have not attended, but I have been reading and viewing the course materials as Dan has presented them in various discussions. Of course, these materials make specific reference to California traffic laws, but these are not so much different from many in the nation that I think much would be transferable. I do not know Dan's view of the future for his work, or, for that matter, just who owns it.
John,
I would be very curious to know what "formal" training our local Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Coordinator received before taking the job. As I've said in my conversations with them it doesn't seem that they really have an understanding of the challenges that a cyclist or walker face on a daily basis.
And as I said, it would be helpful if a person holding such a position actually spent a fair amount of time riding/walking so that they had a good understanding of the challenges facing those who choose to get around in that manner.
Otherwise it is like putting a person who isn't blind in charge of designing homes for those who are blind. It can be done, but those of us with sight don't fully understand the challenges of those without sight.