Middletown Woman New President of Bike Walk CT

Laura Baum of Middletown has been elected president of Bike Walk Connecticut, a Hartford-based nonprofit organization.

Baum, who lives in Middletown with her husband and daughter, is a project manager at Wesleyan University where she works on the Wesleyan Media Project. The program tracks advertising in federal elections.

"I am eager to help Bike Walk Connecticut work to make this state a safer and more fun place to bike and walk," Baum said in a news release from the organization. "From educating kids, to promoting complete streets, Bike Walk Connecticut is making a difference every day and I'm proud to be a part of it."

Baum joined the Bike Walk Connecticut board in 2013, just after she moved to Connecticut from Portland, OR. According to the news release:

"She holds a masters degree in urban planning from the University of Minnesota and worked as the residential outreach specialist for St. Paul Smart Trips, a small, nonprofit organization that works to improve access and mobility in St. Paul, MN.

"Baum designed and ran an individualized social marketing program to support and encourage people in St. Paul to walk, bike and ride transit.

"She has also volunteered with BikePGH, a citywide nonprofit that works to make Pittsburgh a place that is safe and accessible for biking and walking."

Baum became president on Jan. 15, replacing MaryEllen Thibodeau, who will remain on the board through the end of the year.

Bike Walk Connecticut describes itself as "a member-supported non-profit organization making cycling and walking safe, feasible and attractive for a healthier, cleaner Connecticut."