Wednesday, May 9th Celebration
Part of 2012 National Bike Month
(CHAPEL HILL, N.C.) January 19, 2012 – Prepare to switch gears this spring. The National Center for Safe Routes to School announced today that it will be coordinating the first-ever National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 9, 2012.
Bike to School Day builds on the popularity and success of International Walk to School Day, which is celebrated across the country – and the world – each October, and encourages a bike-focused celebration in the month of May. The National Center, which serves as the information clearinghouse for the federal Safe Routes to School program, is planning the inaugural event in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists, the organization that leads the celebration of National Bike Month.
“Communities and schools have been holding spring walk and bicycle to school days for years,” said Lauren Marchetti, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School. “This inaugural celebration not only provides an opportunity for schools across the country to join together to celebrate National Bike to School Day but also to build off of the energy of National Bike Month.”
“Celebrating Bike to School Day will increase the excitement surrounding 2012 National Bike Month,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “Bike Month – including Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day – has grown year after year and we’re pleased to add a school- and kid-focused event to the celebration this year.”
Save the date and stay tuned! A newly redesigned version of www.walktoschool.org will be unveiled in early April with more information about Bike to School Day and new event planning resources and tools, including a new GIS-powered walking and bicycling route mapping tool. A “Win a Bike Rack” contest is also being planned to help build excitement and encourage registration of both events and resources for this inaugural event. Bookmark www.walktoschool.org and check back often to learn more.
National Bike to School Day is based on the Walk to School Day model. Walk to School Day was founded in 1997 as a way to bring community leaders and children together to build awareness for communities to be more walkable. The one-day event has now grown to a month-long celebration. In 2011, students and parents from more than 4,000 U.S. schools joined millions of Walk to School Day and Month participants worldwide. The reasons for walking have grown just as quickly as the event itself. For more information, visit www.walktoschool.org.
Bike to School Day, a part of the National Bike Month, will be held on Wednesday, May 9, the week before Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day.
About the National Center for Safe Routes to School
Established in May 2006, the National Center for Safe Routes to School assists states and communities in enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bicycle to school. The National Center serves as the information clearinghouse for the federal Safe Routes to School program with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Part of the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, the National Center also provides technical support and resources and coordinates online registration efforts for U.S. Walk to School Day and facilitates worldwide promotion and participation. For more information, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org.
About the League of American BicyclistsThe League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle‐friendly America. The League represents the interests of America's 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
ATTN: Berks County Teachers
Safe Routes Berks
A new project is being offered through a partnership of Berks County Intermediate Unit with Walk Bike Berks called “Safe Routes Berks.” The purpose of Safe Routes Berks is to encourage pedestrian and bicycle safety for Berks County K-8 students as they walk/bike to school or the bus stop. Safe Routes Berks instructors will provide curriculum, training, support, and resources for K-8 health and physical education teachers. The initiative, which is funded by a number of sources including US Department of Transportation, will cover all costs related to professional development ( including substitute fees for teachers, curriculum and other resources/materials).
The Safe Routes Berks educational program is funded in part through a Transportation Enhancement grant from the Federal Highway Administration - U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Reading Area Transportation Study.
Michele Barrett, Safe Routes Berks Program Manager, would like to organize a Curriculum Review and Steering Committee consisting of K-8 health and physical education teachers to provide guidance for the project. Committee representation will include public and non-public school:
Grades K-2 teachers (2)
Grades 3-4 teachers (2)
Grades 5-6 teachers (2)
Middle School or Junior High Teachers (2)
Committee members will be required to attend 3 evaluation sessions throughout 2012 and 2013, beginning February 14 and 15. Substitute fees will be reimbursed.
On-Line Registration Instructions
To begin, please visit the website listed below and follow the step-by-step instructions that will display on the screen. Steps are also listed below for your reference. We hope that you will find this online registration system user-friendly.
1. Go to BCIU's Website http://www.berksiu.org/
2. On the left hand side of the screen under quick links, click on “My Learning Plan”
3. Scroll down to Step One and click on the link "click here to view course catalog"
4. Click "view now"
5. Locate “Safe Routes Berks “Pilot”
6. Click on the title of the training
7. Click on "click to enroll"
8. Following registration procedures that apply to you:
For technical support on using the online registration system, please contact Heidi Gamler 610-987-8548.
Register by Wednesday, February 8
A new project is being offered through a partnership of Berks County Intermediate Unit with Walk Bike Berks called “Safe Routes Berks.” The purpose of Safe Routes Berks is to encourage pedestrian and bicycle safety for Berks County K-8 students as they walk/bike to school or the bus stop. Safe Routes Berks instructors will provide curriculum, training, support, and resources for K-8 health and physical education teachers. The initiative, which is funded by a number of sources including US Department of Transportation, will cover all costs related to professional development ( including substitute fees for teachers, curriculum and other resources/materials).
The Safe Routes Berks educational program is funded in part through a Transportation Enhancement grant from the Federal Highway Administration - U.S. Department of Transportation, through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Reading Area Transportation Study.
Michele Barrett, Safe Routes Berks Program Manager, would like to organize a Curriculum Review and Steering Committee consisting of K-8 health and physical education teachers to provide guidance for the project. Committee representation will include public and non-public school:
Grades K-2 teachers (2)
Grades 3-4 teachers (2)
Grades 5-6 teachers (2)
Middle School or Junior High Teachers (2)
Committee members will be required to attend 3 evaluation sessions throughout 2012 and 2013, beginning February 14 and 15. Substitute fees will be reimbursed.
On-Line Registration Instructions
To begin, please visit the website listed below and follow the step-by-step instructions that will display on the screen. Steps are also listed below for your reference. We hope that you will find this online registration system user-friendly.
1. Go to BCIU's Website http://www.berksiu.org/
2. On the left hand side of the screen under quick links, click on “My Learning Plan”
3. Scroll down to Step One and click on the link "click here to view course catalog"
4. Click "view now"
5. Locate “Safe Routes Berks “Pilot”
6. Click on the title of the training
7. Click on "click to enroll"
8. Following registration procedures that apply to you:
- I’m a registered user – select this option if you have already created a personal account in My Learning Plan (MLP).
- I’m a new user – select this option if you do not have an account. By completing this you are establishing an account with a username and password in a secure location for future reference. You can update or change any of this information as needed.
- I’m a My Learning Plan.com user – select this option if you have an account with MyLearningPlan.com
For technical support on using the online registration system, please contact Heidi Gamler 610-987-8548.
Register by Wednesday, February 8
Friday, December 23, 2011
Attention Teen Drivers and Parents: New Regulations Take Effect Tuesday
Click to view video
A new law updating the state’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) law for young drivers will take effect on Tuesday, Dec. 27. That means changes for existing junior drivers and permit holders, as well as teens who obtain their permits after the 27th.
The law requires everyone under the age of 18 in a vehicle to be properly buckled up, whether in a seat belt or a child safety or booster seat. By making the failure to do so a primary offense, a law enforcement officer may pull over a driver if the officer sees that someone under age 18 is not securely fastened.
The law also increases the required number of hours of behind-the-wheel training for permit holders from 50 to 65. Ten of those hours must be at night and five logged during inclement weather. This applies to teens who do not yet have their permits or have their permits but have not yet passed the on-the-road driving skills test. If you have your permit and have already passed that test, you are required to have just 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, though the additional hours might be helpful to you.
The third component of the law sets restrictions for the number of passengers in a vehicle driven by a teen. In the first six months of being licensed, a teen can only carry one, non-family passenger who is younger than 18. After the first six months and until the junior driver turns 18, a limit of three non-family passengers under age 18 is permitted.
If a junior driver has been involved in a reportable accident for which the junior driver is partially or fully responsible in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s opinion, the one-person passenger limit will apply until age 18.
For more information on the new teen driver law, visit http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/teenDriversCenter/newTeenDriversLaw.shtml
A new law updating the state’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) law for young drivers will take effect on Tuesday, Dec. 27. That means changes for existing junior drivers and permit holders, as well as teens who obtain their permits after the 27th.
The law requires everyone under the age of 18 in a vehicle to be properly buckled up, whether in a seat belt or a child safety or booster seat. By making the failure to do so a primary offense, a law enforcement officer may pull over a driver if the officer sees that someone under age 18 is not securely fastened.
The law also increases the required number of hours of behind-the-wheel training for permit holders from 50 to 65. Ten of those hours must be at night and five logged during inclement weather. This applies to teens who do not yet have their permits or have their permits but have not yet passed the on-the-road driving skills test. If you have your permit and have already passed that test, you are required to have just 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, though the additional hours might be helpful to you.
The third component of the law sets restrictions for the number of passengers in a vehicle driven by a teen. In the first six months of being licensed, a teen can only carry one, non-family passenger who is younger than 18. After the first six months and until the junior driver turns 18, a limit of three non-family passengers under age 18 is permitted.
If a junior driver has been involved in a reportable accident for which the junior driver is partially or fully responsible in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s opinion, the one-person passenger limit will apply until age 18.
For more information on the new teen driver law, visit http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/teenDriversCenter/newTeenDriversLaw.shtml
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Tell Senator Pat Toomey and Bob Casey to Support Complete Streets
From our friends at PA Walks & Bikes
Posted on December 13, 2011 by Shayne
Now is our chance!
While we continue to work to preserve federal funding for bicycling and walking, there is an opportunity this week to ensure that federally funded transportation projects accommodate the needs and safety of all users — including pedestrians and bicyclists. This would be a real chance to see Complete Streets policies enacted in every state.
On Wednesday morning, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will consider an amendment offered by Alaska Senator Mark Begich to provide safe and adequate accommodations for all users in all federally funded street projects. This means safer roads for everyone, including those who walk, bicycle, ride transit, or drive cars.
Your Senator is a member of this committee and we need you to voice your support TODAY for the Senator Begich amendment to S. 1950 on “safety for motorized and nonmotorized users.”
Please forward this message to all of your members and supporters, with a link to the League of American Bicyclists’ Action Center, where you can send an email directly to your Senator. Below, you’ll find a sample letter you can customize to send to your Senator, as well. Attached, you’ll find additional talking points and information about the amendment.
This is the first time in more than six years that our federal representatives will take a vote on Complete Streets language — please, take action TODAY!
Posted on December 13, 2011 by Shayne
Now is our chance!
While we continue to work to preserve federal funding for bicycling and walking, there is an opportunity this week to ensure that federally funded transportation projects accommodate the needs and safety of all users — including pedestrians and bicyclists. This would be a real chance to see Complete Streets policies enacted in every state.
On Wednesday morning, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will consider an amendment offered by Alaska Senator Mark Begich to provide safe and adequate accommodations for all users in all federally funded street projects. This means safer roads for everyone, including those who walk, bicycle, ride transit, or drive cars.
Your Senator is a member of this committee and we need you to voice your support TODAY for the Senator Begich amendment to S. 1950 on “safety for motorized and nonmotorized users.”
Please forward this message to all of your members and supporters, with a link to the League of American Bicyclists’ Action Center, where you can send an email directly to your Senator. Below, you’ll find a sample letter you can customize to send to your Senator, as well. Attached, you’ll find additional talking points and information about the amendment.
This is the first time in more than six years that our federal representatives will take a vote on Complete Streets language — please, take action TODAY!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Nat'l Safe Routes to School State Network Report RELEASED TODAY!
In the winter of 2009, a board member of WalkBikeBerks rallied a large, diverse coalition of stakeholders across Pennsylvania to collaboratively write ands submit a grant application to build the Pennsylvania Safe Routes To School State Network Project.
The application was accepted, and with the leadership of Pennsylvania Walks & Bikes, the PA SRTS State Network Project launched in January of 2010.
Now, you can read the final report of those efforts, combined with the efforts of the other state networks across the nation.
Report includes policy successes, lessons learned and local success stories
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership’s state network project brings together state leaders to remove barriers to walking and bicycling to and from school. We write to share with you the National Partnership’s 2010-2011 report, entitled: Safe Routes to School State Network Project Final Report, 2010-2011: Phase II - Successes and Lessons Learned, which includes policy successes, lessons learned and local success stories that were a result of policy changes led by the 20 state network coalitions.
Key policy wins from each of the 19 network states and the District of Columbia included improvements to state Safe Routes to School programs that increased award and obligation rates for local community grant recipients and lower-income communities, policies creating street-scale improvements for walking and bicycling, school siting and joint use agreements, supporting lower-income communities and improving personal safety. State networks influenced the distribution of more than $100 million in Safe Routes to School funds.
This report was written by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, a national network of more than 550 organizations. The report was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest health foundation. Originally launched in 2007 in 10 states, the project supported networks during 2010 and 2011 in California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania*, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Collectively, the 20 state networks engaged more than 900 partner organizations and agencies as active participants in improving the built environment and increasing physical activity for children, with a focus on serving lower-income communities. The networks each made substantial improvements to transportation policies and funding allocations, safety, land use, the environment and public health. In some states, networks were the first statewide group to address particular policy issues.
The application was accepted, and with the leadership of Pennsylvania Walks & Bikes, the PA SRTS State Network Project launched in January of 2010.
Now, you can read the final report of those efforts, combined with the efforts of the other state networks across the nation.
Report includes policy successes, lessons learned and local success stories
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership’s state network project brings together state leaders to remove barriers to walking and bicycling to and from school. We write to share with you the National Partnership’s 2010-2011 report, entitled: Safe Routes to School State Network Project Final Report, 2010-2011: Phase II - Successes and Lessons Learned, which includes policy successes, lessons learned and local success stories that were a result of policy changes led by the 20 state network coalitions.
Key policy wins from each of the 19 network states and the District of Columbia included improvements to state Safe Routes to School programs that increased award and obligation rates for local community grant recipients and lower-income communities, policies creating street-scale improvements for walking and bicycling, school siting and joint use agreements, supporting lower-income communities and improving personal safety. State networks influenced the distribution of more than $100 million in Safe Routes to School funds.
This report was written by the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, a national network of more than 550 organizations. The report was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest health foundation. Originally launched in 2007 in 10 states, the project supported networks during 2010 and 2011 in California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania*, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Collectively, the 20 state networks engaged more than 900 partner organizations and agencies as active participants in improving the built environment and increasing physical activity for children, with a focus on serving lower-income communities. The networks each made substantial improvements to transportation policies and funding allocations, safety, land use, the environment and public health. In some states, networks were the first statewide group to address particular policy issues.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Every Body Walk! Launches New App!
Every Body Walk! is committed to get Americans up and moving. The Every Body Walk! app enables you to personalize your walking plan, connect with walking communities, learn about the latest fitness trends and tips and more. Get connected and get walking!
Track and save your own walking routes, build your walking history--then share your progress on Facebook!
Discover walking groups and walking paths near you with an interactive map! Read the latest news about walking, health news, trends and more!
Watch videos that include walking tips, how communities are embracing walking, advice from experts and more!
To download the app, please follow the links to either the iTunes or Android marketplaces:
iTunes (opens iTunes application)
itms://itunes.apple.com/us/app/every-body-walk/id462444656
Android Market
https://market.android.com/details?id=air.org.everybodywalk.everybodywalk
Two new videos are available for embed:
An app video tutorial:
http://www.everybodywalk.org/films-a-info/inspiration/every-body-walk-app-tutorial
A PSA with 3 case studies:
http://bcove.me/b1ykkbu4
Track and save your own walking routes, build your walking history--then share your progress on Facebook!
Discover walking groups and walking paths near you with an interactive map! Read the latest news about walking, health news, trends and more!
Watch videos that include walking tips, how communities are embracing walking, advice from experts and more!
To download the app, please follow the links to either the iTunes or Android marketplaces:
iTunes (opens iTunes application)
itms://itunes.apple.com/us/app/every-body-walk/id462444656
Android Market
https://market.android.com/details?id=air.org.everybodywalk.everybodywalk
Two new videos are available for embed:
An app video tutorial:
http://www.everybodywalk.org/films-a-info/inspiration/every-body-walk-app-tutorial
A PSA with 3 case studies:
http://bcove.me/b1ykkbu4
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
THE WINTER CYCLIST
A wintry chill is in the atmosphere,
As from the heaving lake the storm wind blows;
And weak-kneed brethren of the cycle fear
That brings the riding season to close.
Jack Frost assails us with his wicked thrusts;
Our polka-dotted mufflers are on guard
And many a good wheel in the basement rusts
Which should be speeding down the boulevard.
And shall we join the patient, suffering throng,
Which crowds the rumbling street cars to the door?
Which kicks against the service loud and long,
But keeps on riding as it did before?
Nay! Perish such a thought. On every street
The hardy wheelman has the right of way;
No ancient female comes to claims his seat;
No cable breaks, no lumbering teams delay.
Our hearts beat high, our life-blood dancing flows,
Though ice-flakes sparkle in the biting air;
While street-car heaters, every patron knows,
Are but a vain delusion and a snare.
The steed that bore us through the woods aglow
With sunshine, where the morning glories creep,
Will bear us safely through the mud-streaked snow
Until it lies at least five inches deep.
~PETER GRANT
And weak-kneed brethren of the cycle fear
That brings the riding season to close.
Jack Frost assails us with his wicked thrusts;
Our polka-dotted mufflers are on guard
And many a good wheel in the basement rusts
Which should be speeding down the boulevard.
And shall we join the patient, suffering throng,
Which crowds the rumbling street cars to the door?
Which kicks against the service loud and long,
But keeps on riding as it did before?
Nay! Perish such a thought. On every street
The hardy wheelman has the right of way;
No ancient female comes to claims his seat;
No cable breaks, no lumbering teams delay.
Our hearts beat high, our life-blood dancing flows,
Though ice-flakes sparkle in the biting air;
While street-car heaters, every patron knows,
Are but a vain delusion and a snare.
The steed that bore us through the woods aglow
With sunshine, where the morning glories creep,
Will bear us safely through the mud-streaked snow
Until it lies at least five inches deep.
~PETER GRANT
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