Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Declaring October as Walk to School Month
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Proclaim October as Walk to School Month.
Report
Issue:
Whether to proclaim October as Walk to School Month.
Staff Contact:
Michelle Swanson, AICP, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works | Transportation, 360.753.8575
Presenter(s):
Kerri Wilson, Walk & Roll Coordinator, Intercity Transit
Patrick Murphy, Superintendent, Olympia School District
Background and Analysis:
Olympia partners with other public agencies and schools to promote walking and biking to school. More students walking and biking results in less traffic congestion and air pollution around schools. Students who walk and bike to school also benefit from the increased exercise and interaction with their surroundings, which results in improved school performance.
Led by Intercity Transit, the Cities of Lacey, Tumwater, and Olympia, as well as Thurston County, are passing similar resolutions recognizing October as Walk to School Month. Throughout the school year, many community schools participate in monthly Walk and Roll events, which encourage students to walk or bike to school. In Olympia, police officers and fire fighters frequently join students for the events.
Olympia has received Washington State Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School grant funds for pedestrian improvements near schools. A recent example is the Quince Street sidewalk project near Reeves Middle School, completed last spring.
Attachments:
Proclamation