PA Walks and Bikes Summit – May 4 10:00 AM

PA Walks and Bikes Summit – May 4 10:00 AM
Posted on February 28, 2011 by Josh
Announcing the 3rd Annual Pennsylvania Walks and Bikes Summit – May 4, 2011 10:00 AM

Now is the time to start planning your trip to Harrisburg for to meet your elected officials, network with other advocates, and build support for walking and biking in Pennsylvania.

The centerpiece of the event will be a rally on the steps of the Capitol building at 10 AM. Other events are in the works, and a complete schedule and other travel information will be available soon.

Please note: we had earlier released a “save the date” to hold this event on May 3. Due to scheduling conflicts at the Capitol, this date is not available. We have reserved the Capitol steps for May 4, and we can confirm that the event will be a go on that day. Hope to see you then!

YOU have the power to end Distracted Driving -- and save lives.

PennDOT has released the number of roadway deaths for 2010, and the results are not pretty. Both pedestrian and bicyclist deaths are up for the year compared to 2009. In total, 148 pedestrians lost their lives on our roads last year compared to 136 in 2009. 21 bicyclists lives were ended short, compared to 16 in 2009 and 8 in 2008.

Pennsylvania has not seen a more deadly year for bicyclists since 1998 when 23 deaths were reported. Let this be a somber reminder to our elected officials that Pennsylvania needs stronger distracted driving and bicycle safety laws.

Share this vision with me: Zero serious injuries and deaths as a result of distracted driving in Pennsylvania. Pledge to take responsibility for the motor-vehicle you are operating when you are driving.

Faces of Distracted Driving

February 16, 2011
On July 17, 2009, 21-year-old Casey Feldman was struck and killed by a distracted driver as she crossed the street in Ocean City, New Jersey. To honor her memory, Casey's family and friends produced this video for the U.S. Department of Transportation's "Faces of Distracted Driving" series.

From the Page of the Secretary of Transportation, Ray Lahood at http://www.dot.gov/briefing-room.html.

Letter from The First Lady: Michelle Obama Supports Walking and Bicycling to School

To read the letter from our First Lady, click here.

To learn more about all of the wonderful things that are happening because of the National Safe Routes to School Partnership, click here.

Remember: as you prepare for Spring, consider building your Safe Routes to School Team now. It's not too early to plan for your participation in Walk to School 2011. WalkBikeBerks is happy to help. Just send a message to info@walkbikeberks.org.

Ways to Involve Law Enforcement in Safe Routes to School

This webinar will provide an overview of why it is important to seek law enforcement involvement in Safe Routes to School programs and how to best involve officers in SRTS efforts. The webinar will also provide information about a successful local effort that involves law enforcement in Safe Routes to School.
Katie Mencarini will kick off the webinar. She'll discuss ways to involve various types of law enforcement including community officers, school resource officers and traffic officers. She'll also give an overview of resources available for officers to help them be most effective in their invovlement in Safe Routes.
Following Katie, Laura Accetta will discuss some of the challenges and successes of a SRTS effort funded through the Weed and Seed Program. She'll also provided some general information and tips on community and neighborhood policing efforts.

Presenters:
Katie Mencarini, Planner, Toole Design Group, Contributor to Law Enforcement section of National Center for Safe Routes to School website

Laura Accetta, Weed and Seed Site Coordinator, Easton, PA

Register Now!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST

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These webinars are part of the Safe Routes to School Coaching Action Network Webinar Series, developed by America Walks and the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

YOU can make walking and bicycling better in Berks!

It's simple. Sharing your story can change the lives of others in Berks County. Tell us about yourself. You decide what you do and do not want to share online -- but know that your story will encourage others to try biking or walking more often.

Over the coming months, WalkBikeBerks will be posting photos and stories of those who choose to walk or bike in Berks County. Answer the easy questions below, and make a better Berks County for all of us. Send your photo and email to info@walkbikeberks.org with answers to the following questions:

1. Tell us about your first bicycle. What did you love most about riding that bike? In a word, what did that bike mean to you?
2. Tell us about the bike you own today. What do you love most about your bike -- and your bike ride?
3. Did you walk or ride your bike to school as a child? If yes, take a moment to describe your walk or bike ride to school.
4. What in a word, what do you miss about those moments?
5. Do your children / grandchildren walk or bike to school now? Why or why not?
6. If you could change anything about your bike route -- what would you change and why?
   
7. Will you consider joining us in October for Walk (Bike or Roll) to School Day in Berks County?
8. And again in May for Bike Month?

Thank you for helping more people walk and bike safely in Berks County.

BCTV: Special Guest -- Berks County Conservancy

Click the Image to watch Mr. Lloyd from the Berks County Conservancy speak to Bob Hospidor about walking the trails in Berks County -- Neversink Mountain.