Streetfilms/Clarence Eckerson)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation for their work in encouraging seniors to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A key component of that effort is the PBOT’s Senior Cyclist Program.
The Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Achievement Award was given at the recent national Smart Growth Conference. According to a report on the EPA’s website, Michelle Pirzadeh from the EPA said, “The City’s action merits national recognition because it improves the health and well-being of the community and its older citizens.”
Donna Green from PBOT’s Transportation Options Division accepted the award. After receiving the award, she said, “Of the 300 people who have participated in the Senior Strolls program since 2005, a majority say they walk more and have replaced at least one driving trip with a walking trip. The biking classes are consistently full!”
For more information about the program, read our report, New program gets seniors cycling (and smiling) published in 2006 and see PBOT’s official program page .
Streetfilms also made a short film about the program in January of 2007. Watch it below: