Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC)

Submitted by NVTA on December 4, 2019 - 5:42pm

The Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC), is an advisory committee of the Napa Valley Transportation Authority established by the NVTA Board of Director’s to promote and encourage safe bicycling and walking. The committee works to further the Napa Valley goal of becoming more bicycle and pedestrian friendly along with promoting sustainable transportation alternatives. The ATAC focuses on countywide interests to reduce congestion and improve air quality by promoting non-motorized (biking and walking) transportation modes as a significant, safe and beneficial transportation options.

2019 Meeting Schedule:

September 30, 2019

October 28, 2019-Cancelled due to PSPS 

November 25, 2019

December 16, 2019-Cancelled! Next meeting January 27, 2020

The ATAC has openings! 

UPDATE 12-12-19: City of St. Helena (1) and the City of American Canyon (1), City of Calistoga are seeking member representatives for the NVTA ATAC. Contact Diana Meehan at dmeehan@nvta.ca.gov for more information on how to apply. 

The ATAC advises the NVTA Board of Director’s on funding and planning issues for bicycle and pedestrian projects.  The ATAC also makes recommendations on the policies for the planning, development, and maintenance of bikeway systems. ATAC’s duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Review General Plans and specific plans.
  • Review existing facilities (bike routes, trails, parking, etc.).
  • Review roadway construction projects and their accommodation of bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Recommend bicycle and pedestrian projects for city capital improvement projects or for available fund sources.
  • Provide input regarding local, state or federal legislation, parking security, enforcement of vehicle code related to bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Promote education efforts, such as Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) 

In addition to Transportation and Recreational benefits, there are four major benefits of creating a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly Napa Valley.

Economic

  • Attracts business to Napa Valley's vibrant communities.
  • Increases property values.
  • Provides improved transportation access – Vine Transit, sidewalks, bikeways and greenways.
  • More walking/biking foot traffic for businesses.
  • “Eyes on the street” - safety increases: commercial, office, and neighborhood areas.
  • Reduces health care costs.
  • Decreases future capital expense – with complete streets transportation options.

Health

  • Improves air quality – asthma, lung disease.
  • Reduces obesity, overweight population.
  • Reduces cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
  • Fewer ER patients and associated costs.
  • Lowers general health care costs.

Environmental

  • Improves air quality (Greenhouse gas reduction).
  • Reduces carbon footprint – fossil fuel, heat, electricity.
  • Reuse of existing infrastructure – infill development.
  • Less greenfield develop
  • Sustainable transportation option

Quality of Life

  • Neighborhood access to parks, greenways, sidewalks.
  • More Livable communities.
  • Eyes on street – decreases safety concerns.
  • Varied access to community services.
  • Improves vitality rate/well-being, decrease health concerns.

Profile

The ATAC is composed of eleven members. Members are nominated by NVTA member agencies and appointed by the NVTA Board of Directors. Members serve for three-year terms and are eligible for renewal. The qualification for an ATAC member is to either live or work within Napa County.

Meetings

The ATAC meets the fourth Monday each month at 5:30pm  in the NVTA Board Room located at 625 Burnell St. in Napa. Members of the public are encouraged to attend all or part of any ATAC meeting.