David Levinger, PhD, PE

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Mobility Education Prospects for Making
Drivers Ed a Multi-modal Curriculum

• David Levinger, PhD, PE
• The Mobility Education Foundation
• 316 Occidental Ave S, Suite 300
• Seattle, WA 98104
• [phone]
• David_at_mobilityeducation.org
• Walk Bike California Conference, Davis
• September 12, 2007

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A Desire for Mobility Independence
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Changes in Traffic Safety Education

• Initiated in 1949 (skills, behavior, licensing)
• Funded in some states either through subsidy or
  reimbursement
• Public schools and for-profit business
• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Study -
  1980s
• 1995 introduction of Graduated Driver License
• NHTSA Oregon Driver Education study - 2007

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The Mobility Education Foundation

• Synthesizing best practices in transportation
  education into an integrated approach that is
  implemented with broad impact, nationally. Dont
  only teach driving, but add
• FHWA Road Safety Audit at Intersection
  (Pedestrian)
• League of American Bicyclists Road 1 course
  (Cycling)
• Transit systems training (Bus/Rail)
• Car Sharing, Ride sharing, Van pools, For Hire
  Services
• New Technology

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A Vision for Mobility Education

• Every driver is also competent with all aspects
  of transportation as a multi-modal system
• Practice vulnerable modes of transportation to
  become safer and more aware
• Teens understand that driving is not the only
  viable and dignified mode of transportation
• Safety is enhanced by elevating other values,
  including Economics, Health, and Environment that
  influence driving behavior

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Driver Traffic Safety Education

• Required to obtain license before age of 18
• 30 hours classroom
• 6 hours behind the wheel
• Taught in private sector and by public school
  administered systems

• Only 1/3 of states have drivers or traffic
  safety education requirements.

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Integrating into Traffic Safety Education

• Existing TSE Courses

• Mobility Education adds

• Required to obtain WA license before age of 18
• 30 hours classroom
• 6 hours behind the wheel
• Taught in private sector and by public school
  administered systems

• 0-6 hours additional in the classroom
• 8-10 hours on foot, bike, and other modes
• To be available for both private and public
  instruction

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Core Educational Values

• Experiential Learning- engagement of the senses,
  the mind, and muscles
• Standpoint Theory- special insights are
  available when one adopts a particular position
  in the world
• Creating Positive Incentives- youth
  understanding of risk is limited in contrast to
  understanding deterministic relationships

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A National Mission
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The Mobility Education Foundation

• Quick Facts
• National Mission
• Founded May, 2007
• Board of Directors
• National State Advisory Councils
• Coordinating efforts with Transportation Research
  Board, Safe Routes to School efforts, Climate
  change initiatives
• Current champions in WA, IL, TN

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A Historic Moment

• Education at risk
• Safe Routes Capstone Course
• Legislative Danger Opportunities

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Next Steps if Youre Interested

• www.mobilityeducation.org
• david_at_mobilityeducation.org
• 206-390-8118

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Mobility Education roots in Washington State

• TRB Operator Education Requirements Cmte
• No previous attempts to implement
• 2005 Teen Mobility at West Seattle High School
• Collaboration with the WTSEA 2006-7
• 2007 HB 1588 (passed House, stuck in Senate
  Rules)
• Sponsor Rep Dave Upthegrove
• Would have
• Part 1 Curriculum requirements
• Part 2 Large Scale Pilot
• Provided 200,000 for subsidy of 1,200 students
• 4 other outcomes

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MEF Board of Directors

• Tracy Carroll, Co-Founder of Flexcar
• Sharon Cornish, MBA, Management Consultant
• Barbara Culp, Former Ex Dir of the Bicycle
  Alliance of WA, Past President of the Thunderhead
  Alliance, co-founder Center for Safe Routes to
  School-WA
• David Levinger, PHD, PE, Former Ex Dir of Feet
  First, America Walks board member, WSDOT Bicycle
  Pedestrian Advisory Committee Chair, co-founder
  Center for Safe Routes to School-WA
• Jodie Vice, MUP, The Urban Mobility Group

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National Advisory Council

• Mary Meletiou, ITRE, NCSU
• Beverly Ward, PhD, MPA, University of South
  Florida
• Kate Kraft, PhD, Wholonomy Consulting architect
  of the RWJF Active Living program
• Peter Demerath, EdD, University of Minnesota
• John Fabel, Amherst, MA
• Lisa Quinn, San Luis Obispo
• Lisa Watson, Texas
• Stephen Lenser, Bluedrop.com, Ottawa, ON
• John Harv Harvey, Oregon DOT

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State Advisory Council Washington

• Julie Salathe, Cascade Bicycle Club
• Doug Hildie, Washington Council of the Blind
• Mike Grady, Federal Way School District
• Keith Bartol, Seattle School District
• Eileen Hyatt, Spokane
• Paula Reeves, WSDOT?
• Ann Martin??