August 2013

The Green Matters e-newsletter is designed to give you a quick glimpse of important sustainability initiatives happening around the metro Atlanta region and beyond. Whether it's the latest research, new educational offerings, environmental stewardship efforts or potential funding opportunities, this e-newsletter will help you stay abreast of what's happening in this important subject area.

Lace Up Your Shoes! – International Walk to School Day is October 9

Organized by the Partnership for a Walkable America, Walk to School Day in the USA began in 1997 as a one-day event aimed at building awareness for the need for walkable communities. In 2000, the event became international when the UK and Canada (both of which had already been promoting walking to school) and the USA joined together for the first International Walk to School Day. Growing interest in the event all over the world led the International Walk to School Committee to shifts its promotion to International Walk to School Month for the entire month of October.

In the USA and Canada, International Walk to School Day galvanizes visibility for walking and bicycling to school. Over time, this event has been part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and a celebration – with record breaking participation - each October. Today, thousands of schools across America and in more than 40 countries worldwide celebrate walking to school every October. This year's events will take place on Wednesday, October 9.

Learn More and Register Your Event…

Measure #44 – Safe Routes to School Program

The Green Communities certification program recognizes local governments who have developed a Safe Routes to School Program that they actively promote to elementary and middle schools located within their jurisdictions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive program that includes the 5 Es: Evaluation, Encouragement, Education, Engineering and Enforcement. International Walk to School Day is an excellent way to educate students, their parents and the greater community about the benefits of walking to school.

The City of Decatur, a certified Green Community at the Gold level, and its school system created a Safe Routes to School program and incorporated the program's goals into the Community Transportation Plan. The Decatur Safe Routes to School program has significantly reduced drop-off and afternoon pick-ups at seven schools, and a variety of other programs are offered year round: walk & roll (pictured above), frequent walker clubs, bicycle mechanics classes and bicycle and pedestrian safety trainings. Students at all of Decatur's elementary schools and Renfroe Middle School will participate in the 2013 International Walk & Roll to School Day. Walking School Buses and Bicycle Trains will arrive at school to be greeted by teachers, parents, the city's Active Living staff and board members, as well as community volunteers.

Walk This Way

It's Fun! Walking and bicycling bring a sense of joy and independence.
Healthier Habits. The walk to work or school is a chance for children (and adults!) to get the physical activity they need
Cleaner Environment. Replacing car trips to work and school with walking or bicycling can reduce congestion and air-polluting emissions.
Promoting Safety. Building sidewalks, providing education programs and adding traffic calming measures are some of the ways to improve safety. Encouraging walking and bicycling to school and work can help build support for infrastructure improvements in the broader community.
Community Benefits. Walking and biking to school and work reduces traffic congestion, boosts a sense of community and improves neighborhood connections, all of which benefit the community.

Learn more at the National Center for Safe Routes to School…