MoDOT's New Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Will Make Positive Strides for Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY - Bicycle and pedestrian transportation planning
continues to be a priority for the Missouri Department of Transportation with
the hiring of Caryn Giarratano of Jefferson City as the department's
bicycle/pedestrian coordinator at the Jefferson City headquarters.

Giarratano will continue development of Missouri's long-range plan for
bicycling and pedestrian facilities and programs as part of the department's
long-range, comprehensive transportation direction. She joined MoDOT July 1,
replacing Dennis Scott, who took a similar position in another state.

Giarratano will promote bicyclist and pedestrian safety; coordinate
bicycle and pedestrian activities with other state agencies; and maintain
contact with bicycling clubs, advocacy groups, metropolitan planning
organizations and local governments. She will also develop strategies for
incorporating bicycle and pedestrian transportation needs into highway and
bridge construction projects.

In the mid 1990s, Giarratano worked with MoDOT to help establish the
department's bike/ped policy. She has served on the Jefferson City Bike/Ped
Task Force. Giarratano, a mid-Missouri native, has a bachelor of science in
elementary education with a minor in math from the University of Missouri -
Columbia. She has three additional degrees in educational administration - a
master's, an educational specialist and a doctorate.

Giarratano founded the Capitol City Cycling Club in Jefferson City in
1990 and in 1993, founded a statewide bike advocacy organization, Missouri
Bicycle Federation. She is a United States Cycling Federation-licensed bike
racer and race official, and a member of the Columbia Bike Club and racing
team.