FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Alameda, CA, September 18, 2009

Walk & Roll to School Welcomes New Partner

Alameda has been selected this year for the year-round Alameda County Safe Routes to School Program. Safe routes to school are the key to Walking School Buses and Bike Trains as Alameda joins International Walk to School Week with its Ninth Annual Walk & Roll to School Day event on Wednesday, October 7.

"We are thrilled to bring this program to such a walkable, bike-friendly city. I know that we can help increase the health of the youth and the planet with more families walking and bicycling to school throughout the year," said Safe Routes to School’s Director Nora Cody.

This event gives children, parents, teachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event, held in over 42 countries, as they celebrate the benefits of walking and bicycling to school. Alameda Unified School District elementary and middle schools are participating. Even students whose parents must drive them to school can participate by parking a few blocks away and walking the short distance to school.

The goal of Alameda's Walk & Roll to School Day is to promote health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment. To reinforce the fitness message, "Shape up Alameda" exercises, led by local fitness center trainers and AUSD PE instructors, will be held at the participating elementary schools prior to the beginning of classes.

City Council and Board of Education members, City staff, Police Chief Walter Tibbet and department officers, and many others, will participate in the event, along with over 4500 Alameda elementary and middle school youth.

"Walk and Roll to School allows Alameda students to show their concern for their health and the environment by the simple task of walking or biking to school. Participating along with their international counterparts, the example of Alameda students from kindergarten through eighth grade have much to teach us all. We encourage parents and youth to make walking or bicycling a natural part of their day," said Pam Chang, Alameda PTA Council.

The Alameda PTA Council, Alameda Unified School District, Pedestrian Friendly Alameda (PFA), BikeAlameda and Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda (CASA) are sponsoring the event. The Alameda PTA Council and Alameda Unified School District are members of the Alameda Collaborative for Children, Youth & Their Families.

Local, regional, national, and international groups sponsor Walk to School Day. For more information, please visit www.iwalktoschool.com/ or www.cawalktoschool.com. For Alameda pedestrian safety information, please visit www.pedfriendly.com

CONTACTS:

Audrey Lord-Hausman: 510-522-4651
Nora Cody: 510-740-3150, ext. 323

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