Dear Friend:

Write a letter to Governor Rendell and all other policy makers to ask them to Complete Our Streets in Berks County. Feel free to cut my name and add your own to the bottom of this example letter, or write your own today. Call, email, or print and send.

Contact the Governor
To e-mail the Governor click here.
To write a letter to the Governor send to:
Governor Edward G. Rendell's Office
225 Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17120
To telephone the Governor's Office call: (717) 787-2500.


Dear Governor:

I am writing to request that you work with the new nonprofit organization WalkBikeBerks and the new Exeter Township Pedestrian and Bicycle (non-motorized) Task Force to create safer streets for all users in Berks County, PA. We are at a critical point in Exeter where our streets will undergo significant changes in the months and years to come as we grow and develop as a community. Congressman Gerlach and Representative Kessler have already stated that they will support our efforts and help us find funding for our needs. I hope that you, too, are able to support us in policies and funding. In addition, I would ask that you contact PennDOT on our behalf to express your concern for our safety and quality of life.

In February 2008, construction will begin on the 422/Exeter Commons project. WalkBikeBerks seeks to ensure that our streets will be Complete Streets and that our community can rely on Safe Routes to School. We want our community safe for all users, even the most vulnerable citizens -- children, elderly, poor, and disabled. We want those people who cannot or do not drive (who represent more than 30% of the total population) to be able to move about freely and independently. We also want to reduce our own dependence on automobiles to travel from our homes to amenities in our neighborhoods.

I am asking that you do whatever you are able to ensure that this new project, and all others that come to Berks County, adhere to the PennDOT Strike Off Letter SOL 432-0702 and coincide with the Berks County Greenway, Parks and Recreation Plan, the Berks County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, and the Federal Highway Administration's Bicycle and Pedestrian guidelines. Exeter -- and all townships and boroughs in PA -- can be thriving, vibrant, walkable communities, if we choose to make them so. Please make it a priority to Complete The Streets of Berks County.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Michele Barrett
Founder WalkBikeBerks
610-779-9702
walkbikeberks@yahoo.com