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The MaineDOT Walk & Bike to School newsletter. This image includes graphics of children walking and biking.
www.mainedot.gov | www.MaineSafeRoutes.org

2007 International Walk & Bike to School Day marks record year for Maine!

October was walk and bike to school month in Maine and around the world. International Walk & Bike to School Month gives children, parents, schoolteachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking & biking. This year, millions of walkers & cyclists from around the world walked or biked to school together for various reasons – all hoping to create communities that are a safer places for all to walk & bike.

Here in Maine we celebrated the 5th year of International Walk & Bike to School month in record numbers with 93 registered participating schools. This year we had over 10 new schools join in promoting a Safe Routes to School - Walk & Bike to School event. Congratulations to all that participated!

Remember, it is important to promote walking to school year round!

 

Infrastructure Update

MaineDOT is working with communities throughout the state that have received approval for funding for infrastructure improvements. Some of these improvements include sidewalks, crossing improvements, pedestrian countdown signals, pedestrian and school zone flashing lights, and others designed to make walking safer in communities.

The next round of applications for infrastructure improvements is expected in the spring of 2008, so now is a good time to pull your planning team together. It will be important to show community efforts at improving conditions for walking, as well as planning efforts towards compact walkable village centers. It is helpful for communities to work on creating vibrant, compact, walkable environments through ordinance requirements and infrastructure improvements.

 

Upcoming Conferences of Interest

The Maine Physical Activity and Nutrition Program and the Maine Nutrition Network are pleased to announce these unique opportunities. These skill-building sessions will address nutrition and physical activity promotion strategies and will be useful to individuals and organizations working towards these goals.

  1. Jan 8th – You Can Do It! Translating Social Marketing Principles into Practice, Augusta Civic Center
  2. March 4th – Go For It! Implementing Evidence Based Nutrition Practice, Augusta Civic Center
  3. May 7th – Bicycle and Pedestrian/Safe Routes to School/Department of Health Conference: If You Build It They Will Come? The Built Environment and Physical Activity, The Eastland Park, Hotel Portland

For more information including registration information contact: Rebecca Drewette-Card at the Maine Physical Activity and Nutrition Program at 287-5084 or Rebecca.Drewettecard@maine.gov

The Safe Routes to School Program will be a large part of this conference. We are planning to have one track covering “Skills for Local Safe Routes to School Program Development”. This track will provide participants with practical approaches, community-tested processes, and tools to develop and implement key infrastructure and non-infrastructure strategies for their Safe Routes to School programs.

 
reminder sticky note

Friendly Reminder

If you walk your child to school, have your child invite friends along for the walk!

 

Safety Tips for Winter Walking

When the winter air is crisp and the ground is covered with snow, there’s nothing like taking a walk to enjoy the beauty of the season — and walking is one of the best ways to keep fit.

On the other hand, winter can be a challenging time of year to get out and about. Freezing rain, icy surfaces and piles of hard-packed snow pose a hazard for the pedestrian.

A few simple measures can make it safer to walk outdoors in the winter:

  • Removing snow and ice,
  • Putting sand or salt on areas where people walk,
  • Wearing the right footwear – a thick non-slip tread sole, a wide low heal, well insulated & waterproof.
  • Layering clothing preserves body heat
  • A hat, scarf and mittens or gloves are essential accessories that prevent heat loss.
    • Do not block your vision with hat or scarf
  • Bright colors or adding reflective material to clothing can help others see you better.
  • Protect exposed skin with sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 15 or more
  • Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB rating
  • Before you step off a curb make sure oncoming cars & trucks have come to a complete stop. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) NHTSA offers walking safety tips. On the web, visit http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
 
A family walking on the beach

Benefits of Walking

Many studies indicate a daily brisk walk can help:

  • Lengthen lifespan
  • Lower stress levels (we could all use that this time of year)
  • Relieve arthritis and back pain
  • Strengthen muscles, bones, and joints
  • Improve sleep
  • Elevate overall mood and sense of well-being

So… At night, trade a half hour of TV for a brisk stroll around the block. Take a friend with you for company or even better, get the whole family involved.

 

Walking and Bicycling...
Fun, Healthy, and Good for the Environment!

For more information contact:

Denise Delorie
Maine Walk and Bike to School Program Assistant
Bicycle Coalition of Maine
Tel: 692-7384
- or -
Dan Stewart
MaineDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager
Tel: 624-3252

In this Edition

>> 2007 International Walk & Bike to School Day marks record year for Maine!”

>>Infrastructure Update

>>Upcoming Conferences of Interest

>> Friendly Reminder

>> Safety Tips for Winter Walking

>> Benefits of Walking