Remembering Curt McCormack

by Karen Yacos, Local Motion Executive Director (2018-2023)

With the passing of Curt McCormack on September 16, Vermont lost a key leader in the effort to make our roads safe for people walking, biking, and rolling.  We also lost one of those rare human beings who is true to their values every day in the way they live, and invites others to join in. 

Curt McCormack was, among many things, the Chair of the House Transportation Committee in Vermont. And he didn’t own a car! I’m sure it baffled some people in the Statehouse, but he preferred to ride his bike, walk, carpool, or take public transportation to get where he needed to go. He would often describe doing so because it was something he enjoyed. Of course, as an environmentalist concerned about climate change, it was also the right thing to do. 

Curt was a strong and tireless advocate for a transportation system that works for everyone. In his Legislature roles, and locally too, his focus on vulnerable users (pretty much anyone not in a car) made a difference that you can see on the ground in the form of more and better bike infrastructure, sidewalks and crosswalks, and expanded bus and train service. One specific focus, which Curt seemed most passionate about, was to improve bike safety along the most traveled state roads throughout Vermont. He introduced legislation and policy improvements aimed at accomplishing this. He also worked hard to bring balance to transportation budgets and planning in general so alternative modes of travel would be supported for the long-term. His legacy will endure because of this work.

Beyond the impact Curt had, he was just a great person. When I first met him, the thing I noticed right away was how deeply he listened. When he and I discussed various approaches to transportation policy, climate, music, and even tea, he had a core point of view on the subject. But he was always curious to hear what I had to say. He wanted to learn, and he helped me learn. Then we could have a discussion from a place of understanding of each other’s thinking. I saw him do the same with people on his committee, with VTrans staff, and in forums and public discussions. He was both a collaborator and an advocate.

It saddens me, and likely everyone who worked with or around him, that Curt is no longer here, on his bike, enjoying life and listening.  And although he won’t be out there fighting for the rights of people walking and biking, his spirit lives on in the large numbers of people who will be able to choose a bike or their own feet over a car to make their lives better, just as Curt did. 

See Curt’s obituary here. 

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