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The Port Towns Youth Council (PTYC) Wellness Ambassadors are at it again! On December 9, 2013 the Town Council of Bladensburg adopted the PTYC’s Pedestrian Safety Policy.

Walking to school is not a new concept - up until the 1970s, most schools were located in residential neighborhoods, and communities were built with pedestrian traffic in mind. Unlike many suburban and rural areas, this still holds true in urban communities, where sidewalks are present and homes are clustered around schools.

During the month of February, America paused to celebrate the historical achievements of African-American pioneers all over the nation.  In March, the celebration continues, but with a different theme.

In April, we celebrate Earth Day. So much of what we do to at the Safe Routes Partnership not only benefits health and wellness, but is also good for the environment.  I am using a BIG win in New Jersey as an example. 

As the 2013-14 academic school year ends, report cards are issued across the country. Grades in academic courses, physical education and the arts can lead to celebrations of achievement, or discouragement about not making the grade.

After only a handful of hearings in the Senate and House this year focusing on a long term fix for our nation’s surface transportation needs, Congress sent a clear message last week to all those who hoped for long-term action: let’s talk next year! 

Here’s how it all went down:

Most people think of New Jersey as an urban place -- after all, it has the highest population density in the country. There are many dense urban cities and suburban communities, but there are also large rural areas with small towns and open spaces. Contrary to what you might initially think, there are lessons to be learned in New Jersey about Safe Routes to School in rural settings.

  USDOT Secretary Anthony Foxx has issued a challenge to mayors and elected officials: take action to support safety for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages.

At the end of May, the current transportation law MAP-21 will expire unless Congress acts.  Leaders in the House and Senate are currently wrestling over their options, with Congress likely to extend the current law until at least July and possibly through the rest of the year. 

There is no doubt that good walking and biking infrastructure is essential to successful Safe Routes to School programs. However, many communities already have “the bones” of adequate infrastructure, especially around established community-based schools in suburban and urban communities, or through completed Safe Routes to School-funded engineering projects.