by Abelardo de la Pena Jr.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- In Portland, OR, people bike or walk just about everywhere. To get Latinos to join in, Metro, the elected regional government and healthcare giant Kaiser Permanente are partnering to create a bilingual biking and hiking map.
- The project, called “Vámonos,” will promote existing biking and walking routes in Cornelius, Forest Grove and Hillsboro, which are communities with significant numbers of Spanish-speaking residents (BikePortland.org, 12 January 2011). The focus of the map will be to connect with Latino families.
- Metro will hold a series of public events to garner feedback and to better understand the needs of Latinos. The maps will be in Spanish and English, and available in print and on the Web by Fall 2012.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- A growing number of urban centers like Portland have a robust biking and walking infrastructure, with strong groups mobilizing many participants. A practical and convenient tool like a bilingual map could increase access to U.S. Latinos, compelling them to join in for fitness and fun.
RESOURCES
