Active Towns | EP 263 LAURA MITCHELL: Reflections on the emerging high-comfort cycle network in Minneapolis @ActiveTowns | Uploaded October 2024 | Updated October 2024, 1 hour ago.
In this episode, I connect with Laura Mitchell, an accidental advocate for Dutch-caliber All Ages & Abilities (AAA) cycling infrastructure, with an impressive reach both locally in Minneapolis, MN, and globally. We discuss her involvement with the Our Streets MN non-profit advocacy organization, the well-established and beloved off-street network of multi-use pathways, and the encouraging emergence of protected and separated All Ages & Abilities on-street cycling facilities.
Topics:
- Childhood independence, free-range kids, teens cycling
- Cargo-bikes, family bikes
- Community bike rides
- Open Streets Events
- The role of protected and separate bike (active mobility) lanes in providing accessibility for all
- The role and influence of social media in Safer Streets advocacy and activism

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Helpful Links (note that some may include affiliate links to help me support the channel):
- Our Streets MN ourstreetsmn.org
- Pointz Map Routing App: bikepointz.com
- @bikepointzon YouTube: youtube.com/@bikepointz
- Move Minnesota: movemn.org
- Midtown Greenway: midtowngreenway.org
- My Houten video that I mentioned: youtu.be/GVgp2LZ8PNk
- Ep 256 Lenore Skenazy - Free Range Kids: youtu.be/Tu58o_AFefA

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Credits: Video and audio production by John Simmerman

Music via Epidemic Sound: bit.ly/3rFLErD

Resources used during the production of this video:
- My recording platform is Ecamm Live: bit.ly/3rwsUup
- Editing software Adobe Creative Cloud Suite: bit.ly/35DBDDU

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Website: activetowns.org
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Background:
Hi Everyone! My name is John Simmerman, and I’m a health promotion and public health professional with over 30 years of experience. Over the years, my area of concentration has evolved into a specialization in how the built environment influences human behavior related to active living and especially active mobility.

Since 2010, I've been exploring, documenting, and profiling established, emerging, and aspiring Active Towns wherever they might be while striving to produce high-quality multimedia content to help inspire the creation of more safe and inviting, environments that promote a "Culture of Activity" for "All Ages & Abilities."

The Active Towns Channel features my original video content and reflections, including a selection of podcast episodes and short films profiling the positive and inspiring efforts happening around the world as I am able to experience and document them.

Thanks once again for tuning in! I hope you find this content helpful and insightful.

Creative Commons License: Attributions, Non-Commercial, No Derivatives, 2024