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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