It seems like an eternity since the new transportation law, MAP-21, was passed by Congress. But, it has been just two months—and we are now one month away from October 1, when the MAP-21 provisions go into effect. Rather than simply waiting for your state department of transportation to announce how they will operate Safe Routes to School, I wanted to give you some concrete action items for the next month.
Like a number of staff at the Safe Routes Partnership, I spent much of last week at the Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference in Long Beach. In addition to getting to see my co-workers in the flesh, I really enjoyed the networking opportunities.
October is my favorite time of year. Fall has finally arrived, as well as the state fair in the great state of Texas. One other huge reason I love the month of October is that Wednesday, October 3 is Walk and Bike to School Day.
The Safe Routes to School Mississippi network prides itself on the ability to connect with those organizations within the state that are passionate about ridding the state of the childhood obesity epidemic.
Seeing all the bicyclists and their interactions at Pro Walk Pro Bike Pro Place, in my home town of Seattle, and many other places I travel makes me wonder. Is bicycling a non-electronic version of social media?
As we all head back to school, it is exciting to see more and more children and families walking and bicycling to school each morning.