Washington County recognizes May 2015 as Safe Routes to School Walk and Bike Challenge Month

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 05, 2015

Today the Washington County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May 2015 "National Safe Routes to School Walk + Bike Challenge Month" in Washington County. The proclamation was preceded by a Washington County Safe Routes to School program video.

Recognizing the importance of active transportation options for students and the need to identify safe walking and biking routes to schools, Washington County Safe Routes to School Coordinator Joy Chang collaborates with schools to develop action plans and set goals.

"It's rewarding to work with schools to tailor a Safe Routes to School Action Plan that encourages healthy lifestyle choices for students to incorporate additional physical activity in their day by safely walking, biking or rolling to school," says Chang.

"This is an important initiative for the Department of Land Use & Transportation, and we look forward to working with even more schools in the future," added Andrew Singelakis, the county's Director of Land Use & Transportation.

The Washington County Safe Routes to School program recognizes that youth benefit from observing healthy lifestyle choices modeled by their community members and adults in their lives. Students can be inspired or encouraged by parents and caregivers who teach children about pedestrian and bicycle safety, making the choice to use active transportation easier.

During National Safe Routes to School Walk + Bike Challenge Month, Washington County Safe Routes to School will:

• be onsite May 6 to support Greenway Elementary (Beaverton School District) with their Walk + Bike to School Day;
• host the annual Safe Routes to School breakfast summit with community partners;
• set up a month-long educational display in the lobby of the county's Public Services Building, 155 N. First Avenue in Hillsboro; and
• continue to work with school districts to develop action plans for the coming school year.

Learn more about Washington County Safe Routes to School program at www.co.washington.or.us/srts.

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