WTS Level 3: Infrastructure Improvements

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WTS Level 3Infrastructure Improvements

• Build, repair sidewalks and trails, remove
  barriers.
• Improve crosswalks, signals hire crossing
  guards calm traffic.
• Relocate auto drop-off areas no idling policies
  car-free zones.

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We know how to make safer crossings.
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Shorten distances. Divide the task. Slow the cars!
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Traffic Calming Vertical, horizontal, narrowing.
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Note pedestrian countdown timer . . .
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WTS Level 4Institutional Change

• Hire non-motorized travel coordinator.
• Legislate Safe Routes to School funding (state,
  federal).
• Alter school siting, district, and size decisions.

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WTS Level 4Institutional Change

• State Safe Routes program
• www.michiganfitness.org
• Safe Routes to School Legislation?

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Figure out where you are, and move up!

• One day event.
• On-going promotion.
• Infrastructure improvements.
• Institutional change.

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Walk to School Day

• October 2, 2002
• 67 Pilot schools participated

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Walk to School Day

• Goal Empower schools to create neighborhood
  change leading to increased opportunities for
  walking and biking to school
• Walkability survey and feedback
• GC led media effort
• Web-based support
• Planning suggestions
• Media kits
• Ideas for overcoming barriers

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Collaborative Partners

• Mich. State Police
• Mich. Dept. of Community Health
• Mich. Dept. of Ed.
• League of Michigan Bicyclists
• Mich. Recreation and Parks Association 
• Mich. Dept. of Transportation
• Mich. Assn. For Health, Phys. Ed., Recreation
  Dance
• Mich. Society of Planning

• Mich. Assn. Of School Boards
• Mich. Assn. Of School Administrators
• Mich. Parent Teacher Assn.
• Mich. Education Special Services. Assn.
• Mich. Education Assoc.
• Mich. Elem. Middle School Principals Assn.
• Team Nutrition
• Mich. Assn. Of Non-Public Schools
• Rails-to-Trails

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Safe Routes to School

• Year-long program
• Builds physical activity into daily routine
• Increase eyes on the street
• Time is right for safe routes legislation

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Start with the Three Ps . . .

• Principal (school admin.)
• Parents (PTO/PTA).
• Police (safety).

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. . . but work with all the constituents.

• Safer streets.
• Local economic vitality.
• Cleaner environment.
• Greater social equity.
• Better students.

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Church groups, Neighborhood, Seniors.
Chamber of Commerce
Health, Schools

Transport Engineering DPWs
Land Use Trails Greenways Parks Rec. Planning
Public Safety Police, fire
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InternationalWalk to School Day

• October 8, 2003.
• www.walktoschool.org
• www.walkinginfo.org

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I. Help everyone be a physical educator

• michiganfitness.org
• www.sdsu.edu
• Jim Sallis
• S.P.A.R.K.
• (Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids)

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Three keys for active children

• Reduce inactive time (TV, videos).
• Provide ample, safe, inviting play environments.
• Allow exploration and success in a variety of
  activities.