This just in my inbox from Ladies Home Journal: walking is the best exercise!

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Holiday Preparations

I've tried every newfangled exercise gizmo that's come along (did anyone else get Shake Weights for Christmas?), but none have stood the test of time quite as well as an old-fashioned pair of sneakers and a good stretch of pavement. Easier on your joints than running, walking provides a great cardio workout while helping you build muscle and burn fat. Get started on the walking program that's right for you and get ready to head into spring a little slimmer and, more importantly, healthier. Whether you want to complete a 5k for charity or scale your state's highest peak, LHJ.com can help you walk – and hike – off the weight.
• Why Walking is the Best Workout
• Prepare for a 5K
• Choose Your Month-Long Walking Plan
• Healthy Heart Walking Plan

Give the gift of better walking and bicycling

Greetings!

Since 2008, WalkBikeBerks has committed to improving walking and biking in Berks County. We have achieved a number of accomplishments since then: Bike to Work Day events, Walk to School Day events , Youth Bicycle Rodeo, Adult Bicycle Skill Classes, partnered with BARTA for bike racks on buses, participated with Berks County in the 2010 Berks County Transportation and Pedestrian Plan, Helmet Safety programs with Birdsboro and Shillington Police Departments, and participated at various Earth Day events throughout the county.

This year we are especially proud of the fact that more schools and parents partnered and participated with WalkBikeBerks to celebrate Walk to School Day on October 6 than in past years. For the very first year, we were able to provide Pedestrian safety education to the entire Fleetwood Elementery School student body. We look forward to an even more successful 2011.

In order for WalkBikeBerks to continue our successes and to continue our work for you, we need your support. Please consider making a donation or become a member for $35.00 or more; by doing so you will be helping us further our mission to make walking and biking practical, convenient, and safe for residents and visitors of Berks County.

Donate here.

WalkBikeBerks wishes you a safe and happy New Year.


http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Look-What-WalkBikeBerks-Has-Accomplished-in-YOUR-Community.html?soid=1102617254371&aid=dX6xoNggOdg

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Berks County Elementary Schools Compete to win Safe Routes to school funds

The competing schools have entered their data and now we are working to determine the winner of our $500.00 Safe Routes to School giveaway! Keep reading to find out who wins! http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Walk-Bike-Berks-Press-Announcement.html?soid=1102617254371&aid=afV7HjfK4EY

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Meeting tomorrow

Monthly meeting tomorrow
11/06/10
9:00 AM
Holy Cross Church
North 5th St.
Reading, PA

Special guest from the Berks County Conservancy

See you there!
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The Berks County Transportation Planners are talking to Bicyclists and Walkers!

Bicyclists tell county panel of problems they encounter

There are several ways for you to share your thoughts on the Plan with the Transportation Authority. Visit: http://www.co.berks.pa.us/planning/cwp/view.asp?a=1124&Q=506509 for complete information and to read the full draft plan.

You may choose to email, fax, or submit your comments in writing. You may also attend the next public meeting here:

Tuesday, October 26, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Spring Township Administration Building
2850 Windmill Road, Sinking Spring, PA  19608.


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Department of Education Sets New Active Transportation Regulations

State Board of Education Approves New Nutrition and Activity Regulations for Schools
The Pennsylvania State Board of Education voted overwhelmingly to advance the most comprehensive school nutrition and physical activity standards in the country. These standards will significantly improve the nutrition environments in our schools and ensure that all children get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every school day. Click the following links to view a copy of the new standards and press release.

New State Standards:
http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/media/file/PA-BOE-Standards2010-04-30.pdf

Press Release:
http://www.saferoutespartnership.org/media/file/PA-BOE-foodactivitystandards-050610.DOC



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Free Webinar introducing the Walk Friendly Communities program

WalkBikeBerks will help any community who wishes to become a Walk Friendly Community. GOOD LUCK!

PBIC News Brief
October 12, 2010
www.walkfriendly.org
Free Webinar introducing the Walk Friendly Communities program

CHAPEL HILL, NC — With the recent launch of the Walk Friendly Communities (WFC) program, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) will present a free Webinar discussing the details of the program on:

Tuesday, October 19, 2010
1:00pm-2:00pm E.T.

Presented by:
Carl Sundstrom, PE, Program Specialist, PBIC and
Vivian Coleman, RLA, AICP, Pedestrian Program Manager, Charlotte Department of Transportation

To register, please visit www2.gotomeeting.com/register/571596451
This Webinar will provide an overview of the WFC program and deliver details of the application process. WFC is a recently-launched nationwide program with the goal of encouraging towns and cities throughout the United States to establish (or recommit to) a high priority for supporting safe walking. Developed by PBIC, the purpose of this program is twofold: to recognize existing walkable communities and to provide a framework for communities seeking to improve their walkability. Vivian Coleman, pedestrian program manager with the Charlotte Department of Transportation will discuss the WFC program from the perspective of an applicant community. The presentation will also cover key questions regarding the WFC Community Assessment Tool. This tool provides an objective measurement method to recognize communities that have achieved high levels of walking and low rates of pedestrian crashes, while also acknowledging communities that are making progress in achieving these goals through policies, projects and programs. Since there are many ways to achieve these outcomes, a range of questions in this tool captures the variety of factors that affect walkability. This program also provides information, feedback and guidance to communities regardless of whether they qualify for recognition as a WFC.

Walk Friendly Communities is a livability initiative jointly supported by the Federal Highway Administration and FedEx. A number of national partners collaborated with PBIC to develop and refine the program’s assessment tool, which was developed with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information, visit http://www.walkfriendly.org, or direct your questions to info@walkfriendly.org.
###Connect with PBIC on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pedbike

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PennDOT Recognizes International Walk to School Day and Reminds Walkers to Stay Safe

PennDOT Reminds Students to Practice Safe Walking, Bicycling on Way to School; Recognizes International 'Walk to School Day'

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In celebration of International Walk to School Day on Oct. 6, PennDOT is asking parents and communities to promote safe walking and bicycling to school. October is also recognized as Walk to School month.
"Walking or bicycling to school is a great opportunity for exercise and promotes a healthy lifestyle," said PennDOT Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E. "However, it is also a necessity for many students across Pennsylvania. Students, parents and motorists need to continue to work together to ensure the safety of students on their way to and from school."

To Read the Full Article:

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/penndot-reminds-students-to-practice-safe-walking-bicycling-on-way-to-school-recognizes-international-walk-to-school-day-104347518.html

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Berks County, Pennsylvania - October 5, 2010 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
8 Community Leaders in Berks County will celebrate safety and health through Walk to School Month celebrations

In an effort to fight childhood obesity, the nonprofit WalkBikeBerks will celebrate Walk or Bike (or Roll) to School Month throughout October. The effort will also show parents and children how physical activity can improve weight management and promote transportation equity.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Walk-Bike-Berks-Press-Announcement.html?soid=1102617254371&aid=afV7HjfK4EY

Contact: Nancy Kauffman, WalkBikeBerks, 610-582-6871
info@walkbikeberks.org
www.walkbikeberks.org/walk-to-school


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Get Your Ride On!

Ride Your Bike With Coolness and Confidence!

WalkBikeBerks Presents Bike Riding Course!

Would you like to ride your bicycle more but feel timid riding around motor vehicles? Are you afraid of getting a flat and not knowing how to fix it? Would you like to get the best experience that can be had while riding your bicycle but something just doesn't seem right with your bike or how it fits you? Do you think you could benefit from some pointers on how to maneuver around obstacles and ride predictably?

If you answered yes to anyone of these questions then we have a class for you! WalkBikeBerks is hosting it's League of American Bicyclists "Traffic Skills 101" course on Saturday October 9th at the Upland Center of Alvernia University. The class will be taught by WalkBikeBerks board member and Certified League instructor Benton Levengood.

To register for this course, contact:
Benton Levengood
Phone: 717-449-4474
or Jeremy Slonaker
Email: jslonaker@walkbikeberks.org

This is a hands on course so you will not just be getting high quality class room instruction but also bike riding sessions for practice drills which will culminate in a group ride to put into practice everything you will have learned!

Take this course and be cool and confident on your next bicycle ride next to motor vehicles and enjoy the experience the way it was meant to be!

Due to events beyond our control we were not able to finalize the location until just this week. Please, send in your reservation today! We promise you will NOT be disappointed.

Road I, Saturday, October 9th: WalkBikeBerks
Time: 8:00 a.m. -- 5:00 p.m.
Instructor: Benton Levengood
Location: Alvernia University Upland Center, 540 Upland Ave, Reading, PA 19611
Fee: $35

Space is limited, so reserve your space as soon as possible.
To register for this course, contact:
Benton Levengood Phone: 717-449-4474 or Jeremy Slonaker Email: jslonaker@walkbikeberks.org


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Kaiser Permanente Supports International Walk to School Day

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If Two Busloads of Americans Were Killed Every Single Week...

http://action.smartgrowthamerica.org/t/3224/postcard.jsp?postcard_KEY=115

To also make sure that our Berks County leaders get this message, write or call:

Address:
Commissioner's Office
Berks County Services Center
633 Court Street, 13th Floor
Reading, PA 19601

Office:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: 610.478.6136
Fax: 610.478.6139 E-mail: commissioners@countyofberks.com


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Pedestrian Safety Fact Sheet

Pedestrian Safety Fact Sheet

Proven Interventions
Policies that increase the number of people walking and bicycling appears to be an effective method for improving the safety of people walking and bicycling.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.safekids.org/our-work/research/fact-sheets/pedestrian-safety-fact-sheet.html


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