Group Will Address L.A. Walkability, Transit at Conference

Everyone who thought Sunday’s CicLAvia was a smashing success would probably want to know about an upcoming event downtown devoted to the issues of walkability, transit-oriented development and sustainable communities.

On May 3, California Walks, a pedestrian advocacy group with numerous partners such as the California Bicycle Coalition and the Los Angeles Urban League, is scheduled to host a two-day seminar titled “Pedestrians Count! 2012.”

The second event of its kind in Los Angeles, the seminar will combine leading-edge research and pedestrian data analysis with the latest best practices in community advocacy.

To be held at the L.A. Metro Headquarters, near Union Station, the conference will open with a morning walk at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 3. Led by Los Angeles Walks, this will be a leisurely stroll starting from Kyoto Hotel in Little Tokyo to the conference venue at the Metro headquarters.

The conference’s first day will conclude with a tour of L.A.’s downtown Art District aimed at giving participants a taste of “pedestrian urbanism.” Starting at 5:30 p.m. from Union Station, participants will take the Gold Line to Little Tokyo, from where they will walk a mile through lofts, studios and converted warehouses to a restaurant (Villains Tavern) for “heavy appetizers and socializing followed by live music.” To attend this so-called “pedestrian social,” RSVP by April 27 to alissa@gelatobaby.com.

General tickets for Pedestrians Count! 2012 cost $110 each. Nonprofit organizations can register for $75. Community advocates and students can get a $35 discounted ticket. A limited number of waivers are available on the conference registration fee. For more information regarding a registration waiver, send an e-mail to pedscount2012@californiawalks.org, stating your name, organization, contact information and a brief description of what you require.

Click here for a glimpse of the conference’s agenda as well as for further details about the event.

Pedestrians Count! 2012, L.A. Metro Headquarters, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, 90012, Thursday, May 3, 2012 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.), Friday, May-4 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)