Title
Proclamation Recognizing October 2014 as Walk to School Month
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a Committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the proclamation and declare October as Walk to School Month.
Report
Issue:
Approval of proclamation declaring October as Walk to School Month.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Swanson, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works Transportation, 360.753.8575.
Presenter(s):
Robert Coleman, Resource Conservation Manager, Olympia Public School District
Background and Analysis:
The Cities of Olympia and Tumwater are passing resolutions recognizing October as Walk to School Month. Robert Coleman, Resource Conservation Manager for the Olympia School District, will be present to receive the proclamation.
Walking and biking to school promotes a healthy lifestyle, reduces congestion on our roads, and reduces greenhouse gases and other pollutants.
Although the City doesn't have specific activities scheduled during October for Walk to School Month, the City collaborates to promote walking and biking to school by partnering with other agencies and schools.
Olympia has received Washington State Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School grants to be used to fund pedestrian improvements near schools and education and encouragement activities to walk and bike to school. Through this grant program, Olympia partners with Intercity Transit and Thurston Regional Planning Council to conduct those activities. For 2011 to 2013 those activities were focused at Garfield Elementary. For 2014-2015 they are focused at Washington Middle School, NOVA School, and Pioneer Elementary. Intercity Transit will take the lead in implementing this work program.