Mission & Vision
Seeking to change community behavior, attitudes, and social norms using the 6 E’s framework. The goal is to enhance safety and convenience for children walking or biking to school.
We envision a vibrant culture of active transportation in the Land of Sky Region inspired by the students of today.
Safe Routes to School’s 6 core elements are engagement, equity, engineering, encouragement, education, and evaluation.
Staff & Committee
The Land of Sky Regional Council in collaboration with the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization brought this NCDOT funded grant to our region in 2023.
Our coordinator is Ada McGovern. She has worked in public health with an emphasis on active living in Western North Carolina, Northeast Tennessee, and during her Peace Corps service in Northern Uganda. She received her bachelor’s in environmental health and safety from Western Carolina University, master’s in public health from East Tennessee State University, and most recently her League Cycling Instructor certification. She lives in Black Mountain with her husband, two step kids, and border collie. During her free time, she loves to camp, rock climb, craft, and go wildflower searching.
Our program is guided by a committee of professionals through the five school systems of Buncombe, Asheville City, Henderson, Haywood, Madison, and Transylvania counties. This group of volunteers meet for a video call once every quarter to discuss progress, needs, and next steps.
Committee Members as of Jan 2025:
David Hart, Henderson County
Graham Haynes, Haywood County
Jennifer Caldwell, Madison County
Jeremy Stowe, Buncombe County
Joe Sanders, Henderson County
Matty Semkowich, Asheville City
Melissa Hedt, Asheville City
Mike Kirst, Transylvania County
Mike Sule, Asheville City
Tristan Winkler, French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization
Vicki Eastland, Land of Sky Rural Planning Organization
Stay Informed
If you would like to be added to our monthly newsletter list, please email Ada at ada@landofsky.org.