Friends of Pathways outreach programs focus on respectful and responsible use of our incredible pathways, streets, and trails. We reach youth through our integrated cycling education programs, iWalk, iBike, iBus to School Days, and by partnering with local community events. Our Adult Outreach programs encourage increased use of alternative transportation and respectful, responsible actions while on pathways, streets and trails.

2017 4th of July 10K Results

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SKINNY SKIS/ JACKSON WHOLE GROCER
4TH OF JULY 10K RUN
6.2 MILES** RESULTS BY ITZ ABOUT TIME **  6.2 MILES
4TH OF JULY, 2017 JACKSON, WYOMING

 

Top Five Men

Name                       Age                                        Time    Pace
1   Matt Chorney         28   M   Jackson, WY         33:34   5:25
2   Robert Palmer       27   M   Gillette, WY           33:53   5:48
3   Michael Lutz          30   M   Jackson, WY         38:11    6:10
4   Joseph Sipiorski    21   M   Carperenters, IL   39:07   6:19
5   Andy Ringholz       33   M   Victor, ID               39:12    6:20

Top Five Women

1   Samantha Diaz       25    F   Jackson, WY          35:53   6:02
2  Bianca Jackson       24    F   New York, NY       40:02   6:28
3  Mariah Bredal         19    F   Victor, ID                42:38   6:53
4   Maria Espinoza      29   F   Freedom, WY        44:58    7:16
5   Millie Peck              16    F   Jackson, WY          45:43    7:16

 

Youngest Participant:

10 Years Old! Ansley Stephenson and Ceci Bruno

Oldest Participant:

84 Years Old! Jackson Smith

 

Full 4th-of-july-10K Results

2016 News | Pathways & Trials: On a Mission for Sustainable Transportation and Heathy Recreation

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 Hot off the Pathways Press – Exciting News for the entire community. 

Email Header 1

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 19, 2016

Contacts: Katherine Dowson, katherine@friendsofpathways.org

Kathryn Brackenridge, communications@friendsofpathways.org

 

Friends of Pathways Announces Evolved Mission Statement Based in Founding Principals and Broadened to Support New Efforts

 

Jackson, WY – Friends of Pathways announces an evolution of its mission statement. This new directive, “supporting a vibrant community by promoting sustainable transportation and healthy recreation in Jackson Hole,” reflects growing community priorities for decreasing traffic congestion and augmenting modes of healthy and planet-friendly travel.

 

Whether enjoying the community pathways system, a trail up Cache Creek, or a Start Bus, FOP wants to make it easier for people to enjoy life in Jackson Hole without the daily need for a car. Central to the enhanced mission rests a priority to help community and elected officials realize their goals of decreasing traffic congestion by implementing innovative solutions for transit and active transportation.

 

“The mission statement addendum comes at an exciting time for Friends of Pathways. With the imminent completion of Path22 and other milestones that have contributed to a sustainable trails and pathways network, it’s a good time to take the foundations of the organization to the next level” offers Executive Director Katherine Dowson. “Our new mission still encompasses trails and pathways while recognizing the important role that sustainable transportation and healthy recreation play in our community and quality of life,” notes Dowson.

 

This summer, Friends of Pathways will pursue its mission with the Commuter Choice Challenge, Skyline Trail construction and other trail projects, and work to develop a permanent Bike Share program. “As Jackson Hole continues to grow and prosper, it is essential to continually assess success, keep momentum and answer the call to promoting vibrancy, health and sustainability” notes Board President Greg Epstein. FOP has long-asked residents to ‘Be Today’s Solution,’ by making choices that encourage a healthy community and environment. Sustainable transportation, or more specifically, modes of travel that increase mobility while decreasing impacts on roads, wildlife, and citizens, are a part of that solution and will continue to play a pivotal role in Jackson’s character and future.

 

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Friends of Pathways supports a vibrant community by promoting sustainable transportation and healthy recreation in Jackson Hole. For more information on Friends of Pathways, visits friendsofpathways.com 

 

________________________________________________________________

PRINTABLE RELEASE: FOP Mission Press Release

What’s Your Path? Share your stories about Pathways & Trails and All the Goods about living and getting around  healthy and sustainable way @friendsofpathways #JHTRAILS

 

Davy Jackson Students participate in Safe Cycling Skills Course

Last week, Friends of Pathways staff teamed up with Koreen Sheridan at Davey Jackson Elementary to teach 600 Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students cycling skills in PE classes.  The first day we practiced fitting helmets and basic bike safety checks.  The kids loved moving the seats up and down to fit them perfectly!  On the second day, all students learned how to signal turns and pass other pathway users safely.  We spent the time on the bikes, practicing the balance to signal a turn with one hand on the handlebars.  As you can see from some of the photos — it’s a challenging skill to learn!

Friends of Pathways purchased 20 Strider Balance Bikes designed for kids ages about 5-10. Striders simple, no-pedal design builds confidence and teaches children to balance on two wheels.  They have been incredible for the students who have never been on a bike before and have been a lot of fun for the kids who have more experience.

Next week, we’ll practice weaving, riding a straight line, and balancing.  Stay tuned for more!

Friends of Pathways thanks Teton County School District #1, Smith’s Food and Drug, Strider Bikes, and Hoback Sports for teaming up to make this program possible.

Katherine Dowson Assumes Executive Director Postion

Jackson, WY, September 25th, 2014 – With great excitement, Friends of Pathways announces that Katherine Dowson will assume the responsibility of Executive Director, transitioning from her role as interim Executive Director.

“We are pleased to announce that Katherine accepted the role of Executive Director for Friends of Pathways,” said David Landes, Friends of Pathways Board President. “Katherine’s enthusiasm for creating a vibrant community with a safe and sustainable pathways & trails system is complimented by her extensive experience. Since her start with our organization as Development Director, the full board has been impressed with her quick grasp of our mission and her excellent interpersonal skills. She is definitely the one to lead Friends of Pathways forward.”

Katherine’s background includes non-profit work on both sides of the Tetons. Since 1988, she worked for the Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance, the Teton Regional Land Trust, Teton County Education Foundation and the Center of Wonder.  She also served on several boards including Teton Valley Trails & Pathways and currently the Teton County Library Board.

“I am very excited to continue working with Friends of Pathways,” said Katherine. “I’ve leaned a lot this summer and I hope to build on those experiences and relationships to ensure continued success and stability for the organization. Friends of Pathways wears a lot of hats in the community – from trail maintenance and pathways advocacy to promoting safe cycling and winter backcountry ethics.  Many people don’t know the extent and reach of our work.  That is one thing I would like to change!

Katherine replaces Mike Welch who worked with the organization for 5 years, two years as the Executive Director.

Teton Food Tour this Sunday, July 27th

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE

 

4th of July 10K Results

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Thank you to all participants in the 34th Annual 4th of July 10K.  Matt Chorney led the pack completing the race in 34.58.  Alyson Barrett-Ryan was first for the women with a time of 40.47.  Owen Doyle lead for youth under 15, finishing with 42.43 and Paige Doyle finished first for women under 15 with a time of 67.04.

Our oldest finisher was 81 and the youngest was 8! The further traveler was a crew from Melborne, Australia.

Thank you to the incredible sponsors Skinny Skis and Pearl Street Bagels.  Without their incredible work, we could never host this event.

4th of July 2014 Results

4thofJulyposter.legal

Safety at Intersections

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Respect & Responsibility – Safety at Intersections
Judging by the number of sources we found while writing this article, cyclist’s behavior at intersections is a pertinent topic of conversation around the world. We’ve linked to a number short articles that are way more interesting than you might initially guess and have important and enjoyable information.

Weekly, we receive comments from community members sharing frustrating and dangerous stories about cyclists who don’t stop.  Just this week, a cyclist wrote:

I saw someone almost get hit two days ago while they were blowing quickly through a line-up of cars at a 4-way stop.  A car was turning and almost hit the biker, so they honked.  The biker simply flipped off the car and kept going.  It’s disconcerting and these dangerous situations seem to be occurring with more frequency.

Is there a way to better educate folks before we have another tragedy?

While cycling, most folks loathe coming to a complete stop. It takes a great deal of energy and can add minutes to your trip.Stopping at stop signs is the law, makes cycling safer, and it’s the respectful and responsible thing to do.

In the state of Wyoming, bicycles are vehicles. Neglecting to stop can result in a traffic violation, costing over $100, with each additional violation increasing in cost. Some states, including Idaho, have laws that permit cyclists to yield at stop signs when the situation is appropriate. Until Wyoming adopts similar legislation, cyclists will be treated as motor vehicles at all intersections.

The most frequent type of intersection collisions between a cyclist and a car in the US occur at intersections where the cyclist has a stop sign and a driver does not.  These easily avoidable accidents account for 9.7% of intersection accidents.  In most of these cases, the cyclist is a fault, rolling right in front of the vehicles, when he should have stopped.

Further, running stop signs creates community opposition to cyclists.  Tom Stafford, in BBC article titled “The psychology of why cyclists enrage car drivers,” theorizes that “motorists hate cyclist because they think they offend the moral order.” Driving is a moral activity with formal and informal rules of the road. When cyclists don’t follow the rules of the road, drivers perceive cyclists as breaking the moral code and over time become more and more angry. Stopping completely demonstrates to drivers that cyclists care about the rules and are willing to follow them.

Be Today’s Solution: STOP completely. Please use Respect & Responsibility.

Jackson Elementary Students Learn Cycling and Safety Skills

Last week, Friends of Pathways staff teamed up with Koreen Sheridan at Davey Jackson Elementary to teach 600 Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students cycling skills in PE classes.  The first day we practiced fitting helmets and basic bike safety checks.  The kids loved moving the seats up and down to fit them perfectly!  On the second day, all students learned how to signal turns and pass other pathway users safely.  We spent the time on the bikes, practicing the balance to signal a turn with one hand on the handlebars.  As you can see from some of the photos — it’s a challenging skill to learn!

Friends of Pathways purchased 20 Strider Balance Bikes designed for kids ages about 5-10. Striders simple, no-pedal design builds confidence and teaches children to balance on two wheels.  They have been incredible for the students who have never been on a bike before and have been a lot of fun for the kids who have more experience.

Next week, we’ll practice weaving, riding a straight line, and balancing.  Stay tuned for more!

Friends of Pathways thanks Teton County School District #1, Smith’s Food and Drug, Strider Bikes, and Hoback Sports for teaming up to make this program possible.

Visit our flickr page to see a few images from our first two days!

Journey’s Students Host Friends of Pathway’s Film Contest

Ella Detwyler and Tige Wilson have been hard at work planning a high school film contest that will feature respect and responsibility messages for pedestrians and cyclists.

The contest aims to have high school students learn the importance of respect and responsibility on the pathways and then to communicate that message through film.  Participants are encouraged to submit films from 1.5 – 5 minutes.  The top three films will be rewarded with cash prizes.

The contest opened on February 28 and the final day to submit a film is March 31st.  Winners will be announced on April 18th, 2014.  For more information, join the film contest facebook group.

Commuting By Bike in the Winter

Winter cycle commuting, while a bit intimidating to some, can be the most enjoyable, beautiful, and exciting riding of the year.  Of course, the change in weather requires a change in your routine, but we’ve got a few tips about gear and techniques to get you ready for anything this winter. 

Make sure your hands, neck, face, and feet are COVERED!
       VIDEO: Tips from Jay P. and Layering for the Ladies

A buff, balaclavas, and/or ear warmers are essential.  Thick gloves, re-heatable hand-warmers, and end of handlebar pogies can keep you hands from getting cold.  Dress warmly, but be aware of building too much heat.  If you get sweaty, you can end up too cold.

Tips for Walking Success

Parks and Rec plows the sidewalks regularly, so get out and take advantage of this incredible resource.  Take a look at the map before you start walking to choose the best route.  Wear your snow pants and jacket over you work clothes.  They’ll keep you warm and  clean.

Tips for Cycling Success

Relax and slow down.   Slow down when you are turning and stopping to prevent slipping.  Using the rear brake will keep your bike more stable.  A winter ride will likely take longer than your summer commute.  Ride in a lower gear, so you pedal faster.  Your pace will be slower, but the extra motion will keep you warm.

Proper Bike Gear will make the trip safer and more enjoyable

      VIDEO: Tips from Jay P.

  • Fenders will keep your clothing dry and clean.
  • Studded tires prevent slipping.
  • Single speed bikes help to avoid iced up gears.
  • A bright light helps drivers see you in storms.