Making the Most of your State’s Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment

The Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment is a document that gives a snapshot of how a state DOT understands the issue of traffic violence among people who walk, roll, and bike. While every state was required to develop one, little has been done to explain what’s in the VRUSA and how advocates can use the document to push state DOTs to do more.

This webinar seeks to demystify the VRUSA for local safe streets advocates, show how advocates in the Midwest analyzed the VRUSAs of their states, and how you can use the document to push your state DOT to do more to protect people who walk, roll, and bike.

Featured Speakers

Michael Kelley: Policy Director, BikeWalkKC

Michael serves as the policy director for BikeWalkKC. In that role, he leads their efforts to advocate for the policies, plans, and projects to make it safer and easier for people to walk, bike, roll, and use public transit in and around the Kansas City region. In addition to his work, Michael serves as the vice chair for the KCMO Climate Protection Steering Committee as well as the vice chair for the Kansas City Regional Transit Alliance.

Jacob VanSickle: Executive Director, Bike Cleveland

Jacob VanSickle has served as the Executive Director of Bike Cleveland since February 2012, leading the organization’s efforts to create a safer, more vibrant region for people who bike, walk, and roll. A proud Cleveland transplant, Jacob is a graduate of Spring Arbor University, where he earned a degree in sociology with a concentration in community development. Before joining Bike Cleveland, Jacob worked as the Active Living Coordinator at Slavic Village Development. There, he designed and implemented programs to engage residents in healthier, more active lifestyles, while strengthening community connections. As part of this work, he convened and led the leadership team that ultimately founded Bike Cleveland. As Executive Director, Jacob collaborates closely with volunteers, members, and civic leaders to advance policies, infrastructure, and legislation that improve roadway safety and promote thriving, connected neighborhoods across Greater Cleveland.

Susan Gaeddert: Community Programs Director, 1000 Friends of Wisconsin

Susan Gaeddert (she/her) is Community Programs Director at 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, where she runs Active Wisconsin, facilitates the Community Transportation Academy, and serves as Coordinator for the Wisconsin Climate Table. Susan graduated from UW-Madison with a Master of Science in Urban/Regional Planning in 2020, specializing in transportation, land use, and recreational trail planning. She also has experience working in the affordable housing sector, comprehensive plan development, and community engagement. Before her planning career, Susan earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance at UW-Madison and worked extensively in music performance and education. When not working, Susan enjoys gardening, exploring trails, and knitting for friends and family.

Marisa Jones: Managing Director, Policy & Partnerships, The Safe Routes Partnership

Marisa Jones is a public policy professional dedicated to creating more just, healthy places where people of all backgrounds can thrive. As the Policy and Partnerships Director at Safe Routes Partnership, she collaborates with national organizations, coalitions, partners, and advocates on issues that advance Safe Routes to School and improve walkable, bikeable access to community destinations. Marisa leads legislative strategy on Capitol Hill and federal agencies, as well as active transportation funding programs. She previously worked at the Institute for Public Health Innovation and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Marisa holds degrees from Tufts University and the University of Pennsylvania, is bilingual in Spanish and English, and is deeply passionate about equitable public spaces.

Vanessa Cascio: Program and Policy Manager, The Safe Routes Partnership

Vanessa's passion for active transportation began in Chicago, supporting adults with developmental disabilities. Returning to Tucson, she joined Living Streets Alliance, leading the city’s Safe Routes to School program and organizing campaigns for a Complete Streets policy and a $225 million bond for safe transportation infrastructure. Vanessa has also coordinated creative placemaking projects and worked at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health on SNAP-Ed initiatives. She holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Arizona and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Women’s Studies from Loyola University Chicago.