Cape Cod Joint Transportation Committee Honors Dr. Gross, Longtime Bicycle Representative | Bicycle Representative Sought for CCJTC
INFORMATION FROM THE CAPE COD COMMISSION
Media Contact: Steven Tupper, Transportation Program Manager
Cape Cod Commission
508-362-3828
Cape Cod Joint Transportation Committee Honors Dr. Gross, Longtime Bicycle Representative
Bicycle Representative Sought for CCJTC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – On Friday, October 11, 2019 the Cape Cod Joint Transportation Committee (CCJTC) honored longtime Bicycle Representative Dr. Edward Gross for 13 years of service. An integral part of the CCJTC, Dr. Gross worked to secure accommodations for bicyclists and pedestrians in regional transportation projects, ensuring all modes of transportation safe access to our roadways.
As a medical student in the 1970s, Dr. Gross bicycled year-round from his apartment in Belmont to school in Boston’s South End. His observations on the road led him to organize the Boston Area Bicycle Coalition, now known as MassBike. Dr. Gross’ advocacy paved the way for safer bicycle accommodations in the greater Boston area. He worked to raise awareness of bicycles as transportation and their role in reducing traffic and congestion.
After moving to Cape Cod full-time, Dr. Gross helped to form the local chapter of MassBike and joined the Falmouth Bikeways Committee. He was appointed Bicycle Representative to the Cape Cod Joint Transportation Committee in 2006. Gross says he saw the CCJTC as an important link to major regional transportation projects. He often rode his bicycle to CCJTC meetings.
Dr. Gross’ work as bicycle representative to the CCJTC offered an opportunity to help others understand the right of cyclists to use our roadway systems. In reviewing projects, Gross wanted to ensure that cyclists and pedestrians were fairly represented and that projects were inclusive. The simple presence of a bicycle advocate on the committee raised awareness of bicyclists as legitimate users of the roadway.
[su_quote]“I’ve learned a great deal,” said Dr. Gross during a recent JTC meeting. “And, I think, changed a few things but in a very special way. My goal was to be an ambassador for the cycling community.”[/su_quote]
Dr. Gross was instrumental in the expansion of the Shining Sea Bikeway in Falmouth, helped to organize a Cape-wide meeting of the cycling community, has worked with Falmouth officials to help standardize reporting in bicycle crashes, and has had a voice in planning hundreds of transportation projects on Cape Cod.
The Cape Cod Commission is now seeking a new bicycle representative to the Cape Cod Joint Transportation Committee. The CCJTC serves as an advisory committee to the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization, a regional body established by federal law to oversee regional transportation planning and recommend the distribution of transportation funds locally. The Bicycle Representative position is open to a year-round Barnstable County resident who has a regional interest to improve the multi-modal transportation network on Cape Cod. Ideal candidates are passionate about bicycling, involved in a local bicycle committee, or have a related professional background.
Interested persons are encouraged to email Martha Hevenor, Cape Cod Commission Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator (mhevenor@capecodcommission.org), by Friday, Nov. 15, 2019 with your contact information and a brief summary of why you would make a good candidate for the Bicycle Representative committee position.
LINK: Additional information and how to apply for CCJTC Bicycle Representative
ABOUT THE CAPE COD COMMISSION:
The Cape Cod Commission is the regional land use planning, economic development, and regulatory agency for Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It was created in 1990 to serve the citizens and 15 towns that comprise Cape Cod. The Commission works toward maintaining a healthy balance between economic progress and environmental vitality. “Keeping a special place special” describes the agency’s mission to protect the region’s unique qualities. The 19-member volunteer Cape Cod Commission board represents a wide spectrum of the community and provides oversight for a staff of 40 professionals. For more information, visit: www.capecodcommission.org.
