Encouragement

Need extra time? Ask for an extension by October 22nd

The 2008 Oberstar Award will recognize the achievements of communities in establishing successful Safe Routes to School programs with federal funds. Because we have heard from several event organizers who have been in the midst of celebrating Walk to School activities during the month of October, the National Center for Safe Routes to School is allowing those who need an extension to apply for one by October 22, the original deadline for applications.

Walk to School Day made headlines from coast to coast. Here are just a few news stories that illustrate the importance of Walk to School Day as a catalyst for Safe Routes to School activities.

Rockenbaugh Elementary in Southlake, TX (right)

Los Angeles Times

New this year: We are trying to capture successes and enthusiasm for walking and bicycling to school on audio as well as images. Walk to School has jumpstarted so many good things at schools all over the country that we want to bottle up all the energy and share it with others. Please leave us a voice message at (919) 809-7777 and tell us why walking to school makes a difference in your life. What is it about walking and/or bicycling to school that changes your outlook?

The following is a brief compilation of Safe Routes to School-related news stories from across the country. Web links to the following news stories are time sensitive, so some stories may not be accessible after the initial publication date or may require registration.

Farewell Tim, Welcome Becky

FHWA Safe Routes to School Program Manager Tim Arnade is moving to FHWA's Office of Policy to serve as a key member of their congressional relations team. The Safe Routes to School program benefited greatly from his dedication and heartfelt commitment to enabling and encouraging children to walk and bicycle to school.

Safe Routes Snapshots provides a brief profile of a Safe Routes to School state or local program that highlights a particular success or issue the program faced. To submit your program for Safe Routes Snapshots, please email news@saferoutesinfo.org.

The city of Portland, Ore., recognized nationally for its walking and bicycling programs, was selected through a competitive application process to host the 2nd Safe Routes to School National Conference in 2009. The conference site was announced August 7 by the National Center for Safe Routes to School and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.

The following is a brief compilation of Safe Routes to School-related news stories from across the country. Web links to the following news stories are time sensitive, so some stories may not be accessible after the initial publication date or may require registration.

The Auburn School District Transportation Department's "Partnership Approach to Safe Routes to School" program in Auburn, Washington has been declared a Top 50 Program of the 2008 Innovations in American Government Awards competition, administered by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School.

Selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants, the "Partnership Approach to Safe Routes to School" program represents the best in government innovation and will be competing for a $100,000 award.