The recreational opportunities in Vermont have always been intimately tied to the character of the land. As the year progresses, the lakes and mountains are sought out for their changing moods, by both young and old, and are utilized and appreciated as something that is unique and in touch with the seasons.

Jon Kaplan is the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager for the Vermont Agency of Transportation, based out of Montpelier. Jon manages all bicycle and pedestrian-related initiatives for the state. Here, he answers a few questions about the current status of biking in Vermont, some initiatives that he is working on and where he hopes to see biking in the Green Mountain State in the future.

First, can you give us a little background about yourself and your history with the state?

SPIRAL International, located and founded in Burlington, VT, became a corporation in January 201o and describes itself as an “educational organization that promotes inter-cultural learning, understanding and relationships through international student placement services and exchange programs.” The acronym SPIRAL stands for what the organization offers: Special Programs for Intercultural Relationsh

“The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) is a nonprofit association of farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote an economically viable and ecologically sound Vermont food system for the benefit of current and future generations.”