Director's Outlook
Director’s Outlook: Seizing the Call to Action on Walking
Last week, the Surgeon General issued a powerful call to action urging all Americans to champion walking and walkable communities. By now hopefully you have heard this and are already putting efforts in place to align your school, nonprofit organization, or business with this game-changing ask. I was gratified to be present in Washington, DC when Dr. Murthy made the announcement, and at the Safe Routes Partnership we are moving forward without hesitation.
Director's Outlook: Inform Our Strategic Direction
Dedication. Passion. Commitment. These are all words that describe our Safe Routes to School champions across the nation, as evidenced not only by the great turnout for Bike to School Day but also by the increases we continue to see in bicycling and walking to school.
Reflections as I Step Down as Director Of the Safe Routes Partnership
Throughout my entire life I’ve always wanted to make a difference in the world. I found my niche in the late 1990s with Safe Routes to School and never looked back.
A Tribute to Congressman Oberstar: Father of Safe Routes to School
It is with a very deep sadness and extremely heavy heart that the Safe Routes to School National Partnership mourns the passing of 79-year-old Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN from 1974-2010). His death was announced this morning through a statement from his family. Congressman Oberstar passed peacefully in his home in Maryland during his sleep; apparently he was not ill.
Director's Outlook: Three Actions for Health to Take in November
You might have heard that I was diagnosed on October 17 with acute myeloid leukemia, and I am now in the hospital healing. I so greatly appreciate the outpouring of support of prayers and healing vibrations from the community- it lifts my spirits and helps me to stay strong.
Five Reasons to Celebrate Walking and Bicycling in October
October is such a great time of year. And I love International Walk and Bike to School Day which its taking place this year on October 9! There is so much to celebrate during this October, here is my top five list:
Director's Outlook: Making Progress on Healthy Community Design
September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness month, which in recent decades has been the time to reflect on sobering statistics, like the fact that between 1971 and 2008, the rate of childhood obesity among children age 6 to 11 rose from 4.2 percent to 19.6 percent.
The 4th Safe Routes to School National Conference Kicks Off in Sacramento!
In less than a week, the fourth Safe Routes to School National Conference will kick off in Sacramento, California. Since 2007, the biannual National Conference has brought Safe Routes to School champions together to share success stories, learn from one another and chart the course for the future.
Director’s Outlook: How Your Zip Code Influences How Much Physical Activity You Get
Major polls show that Americans want to live in places where it’s safe to walk and bicycle. The demand for walkable, livable communities has prompted many municipalities to make more investments in multi-modal transportation and adopt policies such as Complete Streets that institutionalize planning, design and construction for all types of road users.