Accessible Paths of Travel Highlighted at 3rd Annual Walk and Roll

On May 8, as part of the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) 2012 Bus and Paratransit Conference in Long Beach, Calif., ESPA co-hosted the third annual Walk & Roll! Wellness Event with APTA and Long Beach Transit.  

Michael Melaniphy, APTA president and chief executive officer, welcomed the group. Mary Leary, assistant vice president of Easter Seals Transportation Group, provided a brief description of the event’s origin, and Cynde Soto, a member of the Long Beach Transit Paratransit Advisory Committee, gave a short description of the paratransit options and how they are integrated into the full Long Beach transit system.  

Pictured from left to right are Michael Melaniphy, Mary Leary and Cynde Soto  (Source: ESPA)

This accessible event was open to everyone and provided participants with an opportunity to share an afternoon stroll that highlighted the importance of accessible paths of travel to transportation for everyone in our communities, including people with disabilities. Walk & Roll! participants also walked through Long Beach’s Transit Gallery, a section of town where the bus stop shelters, sidewalks and surrounding structures are enhanced with the work of local artists. As one participant remarked, "Walk and Roll is an excellent event for fun, fitness, friendship and integration!"

3rd Annual Walk & Roll! Participants Gather for a Photo (Source: APTA)

The Walk & Roll! begins after receiving brief instructions (Source: ESPA)