Kelly Brock, Ph.D., P.E., Chair
Kelly Hans Brock, Ph.D., P.E., LEED AP, ENV SP, currently works as Deputy Public Works Director and City Engineer for the City of Casselberry. There, Brock manages capital and maintenance programs in transportation, parks, stormwater, lakes, and more. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Florida. He has led efforts to promote complete streets in the City – enhancing walkability, bike-friendliness, safety, accessibility, connectivity, and sense of place.
Brock was instrumental in developing the City’s Multimodal Transportation Master Plan and Healthy Community Complete Streets Policy and Design Guidelines. He also serves on two advisory committees for MetroPlan Orlando.
Why are you devoting your time to this cause?
In the past several years, I have become passionate (some would say, obsessed) with planning and building a transportation network that promotes walking and bicycling as safe, comfortable, and viable forms of transportation—not only for recreation but for everyday trips. I believe creating a built environment that encourages biking, walking, and transit is essential to individual health, community health, achieving equity, protecting the environment, and economic prosperity.
Are you a biker or a walker?
I am both, but predominately I am a walker, as I am lucky to live in a somewhat walkable neighborhood where I can take my dog for long walks!
How will bicycles save the world?
Bicycles have been called the most efficient form of transportation ever invented. For many trips, bicycles alone can replace the car, and coupled with transit, bicycles can often make car ownership unnecessary. Bicycling improves physical health and mental health. Bicycling is fun. It protects the environment by reducing the number of single occupancy vehicle trips needed. And bicycling is good for business – studies have shown bicyclists and walkers outspend their driver counterparts on a monthly basis at many businesses. Finally, better bike infrastructure has been shown to save lives – not just for people biking, but for everyone.
In 15 years, what does this region look like?
Copenhagen. Just kidding. But in 15 years it is my hope that Central Florida has made incredible progress in building a fully connected and complete transportation network focused on making biking, walking, and transit safe, comfortable, and viable for people of all ages and abilities. In my view, that means many more shared use paths, protected bike lanes, protected intersections, traffic-calmed and skinnier streets, bus rapid transit, and expanded rail service. The benefits of such infrastructure will have paid off in better job opportunities for everyone, better quality of life, a bustling economy, and a thriving and healthy community.
