Central Valley Active Transportation Planner

Active Transportation Planner

The California Bicycle Coalition (CalBike) is seeking an experienced planner to implement an exciting and multi-faceted Caltrans-funded project; “Active Transportation Connectivity Planning and Bike Sharing for Disadvantaged Communities.” Managed by CalBike in collaboration with the Kern Council of Governments, this project will analyze connectivity via low-stress bikeways from the High Speed Rail stations to destinations within a three-mile radius of those stations in six Central Valley cities from Merced to Bakersfield. The main objective of the project planner is to propose improvements to active transportation connectivity, especially for adjacent disadvantaged communities. The project also includes the development of a bike share system in Bakersfield California using already-awarded Active Transportation Program funds. A key feature of this project includes extensive outreach, engagement, and partnership with impacted low-income and marginalized communities and residents in all six cities that are within planned HSR stations.

Primary Roles and Responsibilities

• Leverage the increased planning and development around High-Speed Rail Stations to improve bicycling and walking in communities where these stations are located to destinations at least a half-mile on foot and 3 miles by bike from the station
• Implement a novel, state-of-the-art, open source GIS-based network connectivity analysis tool that can be replicated in communities throughout California
• Increase access by residents of these communities to the High Speed Rail Authority and other powerful stakeholders, so that their voices are taken into consideration in planning
• Enhance or create plans for bike networks that optimally connect destinations chosen with community input from residents of disadvantaged communities
• Increase social equity by helping make DACs more connected and livable, and offering low-income residents healthy and economical transportation options
• Plan for improved inter-city connections to enhance bike safety and increase bicycling between cities and from rural areas to the HSR stations and city centers, and to attract bicycle tourism
• Refine bike share implementation strategy using best practices to effectively serve disadvantaged communities and all residents, focusing on Bakersfield as a pilot project.
• Create a Kern Active Transportation Plan Supplemental Document with refined bike share implementation strategy for Bakersfield
• Revise or supplement other county Active Transportation Plans to reflect supplemental planning
• Increase bicycling and walking among residents throughout the corridor
• Promote multimodal safety and expanded travel options for area residents
• Reduce rates of injury and fatality from collisions
• Improve public health and decrease rates of the diseases of inactivity such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
• Enhance the region’s economy by planning for affordable active transportation options for low-income residents, as well as more bike-friendly business districts

Below is a list of the most significant deliverables due for this project through December 2020.

• Review existing active transportation plans and existing conditions within cities and along intercity corridors
• Evaluate data on Open Streets map and update it with existing conditions
• Develop outreach materials and conduct community engagement
• Prepare GIS analyses of connectivity
• Propose improvements to active transportation plans
• Establish policy recommendations for meeting bike parking demand at high speed rail stations
• Prepare final report and present to officials in all six Central Valley cities.

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time temporary position, starting immediately and lasting for the duration of the project, approximately through December 2020, with the potential for permanent employment depending upon funding. Salary range is $60,000-$80,000 with full medical, dental, and vision benefits, 4 weeks PTO, and an employer match of retirement contributions up to 3%.  The position does not provide an office space; the planner will work remotely. It will involve substantial travel among Central Valley cities and occasional travel to the CalBike headquarters in Oakland.

Application Process

To apply, submit your résumé and a cover letter to Hiring Committee by email to jobs@calbike.org or by regular mail to California Bicycle Coalition, 466 Water Street, Oakland, CA 94607 by March 17, 2019.  CalBike is a diversity- and justice-oriented organization and as such does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, creed, mental or physical disability, marital status, medical condition, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.