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, Associate Planner, Public Works | Transportation, 360.753.8575
Presenter(s):
Kerri Wilson, Walk N 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's Walk-N-Roll program, 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-N-Roll events, which encourage students to walk or bike to school. In Olympia, police officers and fire fighters frequently join students for the events.
The City is also changing some streets to make it easier for students to walk to school. For example, we recently built a raised crosswalk on Conger Avenue near Jefferson Middle School. The raised crosswalk slows traffic and increases driver awareness of people crossing the street.
Also, the compact roundabout under construction at Henderson and Eskridge is the first of two planned for Henderson Boulevard. The School District will build the second compact roundabout at Henderson and Carlyon when it expands Olympia High School. The two roundabouts will work together to calm traffic, which will make it easier and safer for students ...
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