Georgia Safe Routes Update

Dear SRTS Friends and School Champions, Happy Spring! As the temperatures heat up, I hope you will find many more opportunities to host walk and bike to school activities. In fact, 60% of you are holding monthly or weekly events throughout the spring. Consider "Going Green" for Earth Day by encouraging your students to walk and bike.

As we approach CRCT... did you know that children who get some physical activity in the morning are more likely to be focused and attentive during class [and testing]? It helps expend extra energy and gets them to school refreshed! Georgia now has 125 schools who participate in the Safe Routes to School program!

The following was taken from the League of American Bicyclists (www.bikeleague.org/educenter/labsrts.htm)

Parents did you know that:
-15% of children and adolescents aged 6–19 years are overweight (CDC)?
-In one generation, the number of kids biking and walking to school has dropped from 71% to 18%?
-20-25% of morning rush hour traffic can be parents driving kids to school?

The solution: Get kids moving. To maintain a healthy weight, kids must start leading more active lifestyles at an early age. Make regular physical activity part of your kids’ daily routine. Biking and walking to school is one great way to do this.

• Start or take part in a Safe Routes to School program in your community.
• Start walking or biking groups (called Walking School Buses.)
• Ensure kids have safe places to cross streets around the school.
• Drive slowly through school zones.
• Teach basic traffic safety skills to your children.

Calender:
April 7: SRTS Mini-Grants Due
April 7: World Health Day
April 22: Earth Day
April 25 - May 3: Safe Kids Week
April 26-30: Air Quality Awareness WeekMay: National Bike Month
May 17-21: Bicycle Safety Week
September 13-17: Pro Walk/Pro Bike Conference
October 6: International Walk to School Day

SRTS News: Michelle Obama's Let's Move! Campaign
As part of her “Let’s Move” campaign against childhood obesity, first lady Michelle Obama wants more children to walk to school. Lauren Marchetti, director of the federal National Center for Safe Routes to School, talks about the realities of kids getting to school under their own power. Read about it here.

SRTS Toolbox Spotlight: Walk Georgia Walk Georgia is an 9-week program aimed at increasing physical activity in a fun, team-oriented way. It is an ideal activity for a school's PE class and motivates students by tracking their progress as they "walk" across Georgia.When you accumulate miles, you will be able to navigate a map of Georgia and chart your course to "walk" Georgia. As you move throughout this virtual state, you will be able to view fun facts about each county you visit and learn new ways to improve your health. You will also be able to see how you compare to other teams throughout the state. Visit http://www.walkgeorgia.org/ for more information.

Please let me know if you have questions or if I can be of further assistance. Have a great week!Abby Mattera
School Outreach Coordinator - Metro Atlanta
Georgia Safe Routes to School Resource Center
www.SafeRoutesGA.org