[Press Release] : Help kids walk to school safely - slow down in school zones

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of
Columbia’s Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided
links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2006

CONTACT: Chris Walthall
The PedNet Coalition
(573) 999-2814
cwalthall at centurytel.net  
or
Ian Thomas
The PedNet Coalition
(573) 445-2928
ian at pednet.org 

Help kids walk to school safely - slow down in school zones
									
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - Columbia students and parents are encouraged to
join millions of families around the world to walk to school on
“International Walk to School (IWTS) Day” Wednesday, Oct. 4. IWTS
Day is an opportunity to encourage physical activity; spend more family
time together; reduce traffic congestion, pollution and speed near
schools; reduce crime; and to mobilize communities to work together to
create safe routes.
	Nine schools have signed up to participate this year:
*	Grant Elementary
*	Russell Elementary
*	Ridgeway Elementary
*	West Boulevard Elementary
*	Derby Ridge Elementary
*	Fairview Elementary 
*	Lee Elementary
*	Columbia Catholic 
*	Good Shepherd Lutheran
	These schools are organizing a special walk, in addition to
providing a healthy snack for students once they arrive at school. Local
celebrities joining these groups include Mayor Darwin Hindman, First
Ward Council Member Almeta Crayton, U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof,
former Ridgeway Principle Susan Fales and local radio host Fred Parry. 

	Other schools have received “Walk to School” resource
packs-call your child’s school to find out if they are organizing a
walk to school event, or simply walk your child to school.
	Community events such as this go a long way in supporting
Columbia’s federally-funded $22 million PedNet Project. When a
community provides the infrastructure to allow individuals to get out
biking, walking and wheeling in their neighborhoods, more people will
benefit positively by improving their health, reducing crime and helping
the environment, thus increasing the desire for proper infrastructure.
	This event is sponsored by the Active Living by Design project
of the PedNet Coalition and the Columbia/Boone County Health Department,
along with the Safe Kids Coalition. Go to the PedNet Coalition’s Web
site at www.pednet.org or the International Walk to School Web site at
www.iwalktoschool.org for more information.	

- 30 -
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or
subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and
follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/index.php