City announces Walk + Bike to School Day event

September 28, 2009

This just in from the Bureau of Transportation:

Walk + Bike to School Day Event on Oct. 7

WHAT
For International Walk + Bike to School Day, the Portland Bureau of Transportation is hosting a media event with the students of James John Elementary, local dignitaries and businesses encouraging students and families to make healthy choices for children and communities. It is anticipated that more than 150 children and parents will meet at St. Johns Park to walk and bike to school together. At the park before school, this diverse group of students and parents will hear speeches from elected officials and members of the community while being treated to snacks from the Pear Bureau Northwest and Clif Bar.

WHY
In 1969, 41 percent of children walked and biked to school compared to only 13 percent in 2001, according to the National Household Travel Survey. Over roughly the same period of time, childhood obesity rates more than tripled, according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Experts, including local pediatricians, say that these two trends are related. The Portland Bureau of Transportation wants to improve childhood health by showing students and their parents that walking and biking to school is a beneficial, easy alternative to driving.

WHO
Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s Advisor for Livable Communities Meeky Blizzard, Portland Public Schools Board Member Martin Gonzalez and a Kaiser Permanente physician will speak to over 150 students and parents. James John Elementary and Transportation’s Safe Routes to School will also be in attendance.

WHERE
St. Johns Park (8427 N Central St, near downtown St. Johns) for the event and James John Elementary (7439 N. Charleston Ave), three blocks from the park.

WHEN
Wednesday Oct. 7, 2009 from 7:30 to 8 a.m.