Sept. 29, 2009

Ever heard of a “walking school bus”?  How about learning to make it safe – and fun – for kids to walk or bike to school?

You can learn about these and many other ways children can get to school safely in your neighborhood at a free Westchester County workshop called Safe Routes to School – Local Initiatives Conference.  It will be held on Friday, October 16 at 8:30 am at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.  The conference will highlight examples and share information about implementing such programs in local towns and school districts.  It is open to interested parents, elected officials, planners, engineers, school officials, board of education representatives, PTA members, school nurses and physical education teachers.

Safe Routes to School – or SRTS – is a national program whose goal is to encourage safe walking and biking to school as a way to decrease traffic, improve air quality and encourage a healthy lifestyle among school children.  The conference agenda will include introductions by County Executive Andy Spano, Transportation Commissioner Lawrence C. Salley and Health Commissioner Joshua Lipsman.

“Promoting walking and biking among school children has a myriad of benefits for the environment and the health and well being of our kids” said County Executive Andy Spano.  “And what’s great about SRTS is that kids really like the independence and opportunity to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.”

Westchester County has actively promoted SRTS programs since 2004, with a county-wide kick-off meeting followed by eight workshops at individual schools throughout Westchester. SRTS is also a key component of Westchester County’s Global Warming Action Plan.  Studies have shown that schools with more walkers and bikers have better air quality and measurably fewer incidences of asthma and lung ailments.  Children who walk to school have also been found to get more exercise throughout the day than those who don’t.

Making walking and biking fun is an important part of a comprehensive SRTS program.  The conference will have two panel discussions focusing on the Five Es, known as the building blocks of an SRTS program – Engineering, Encouragement, Education, Enforcement and Evaluation.

The conference is free and open to the public.  The County Center is located at the intersection of Route 119 and Central Avenue.  To reserve your spot, contact Charles Sutter at cjs2@westchestergov.com or call 914-813-7761 by Thursday, October 13.  The project manager is Naomi Klein, Principal Planner, nkk3@westchestergov.com or (914) 813-7758.