PROCLAMATION in Recognition of INTERNATIONAL WALK-TO-SCHOOL MONTH October 2016 WHEREAS, millions of schoolchildren in 40 different countries are celebrating International Walk to School Month this October by participating in “Hike it. Bike it. I like it!” activities for International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 5, 2016; and WHEREAS, children and adults worldwide join Walk to School Month events to have fun and raise awareness about how walking, bicycling and skateboarding to school helps children, communities and the environment; and WHEREAS, when children walk and bike to school, especially in “walking school busses” and “bicycle trains,” they have time to socialize with their parents and friends, be outdoors and get to know their neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, the City of Arcata strives to be a leader in Safe Routes to School programs which improve walkability, bikability and safety around schools, and which build physical activity into schoolchildren’s’ daily routines; and WHEREAS, driving students to school in private vehicles contributes to traffic congestion and air pollution. When fewer cars are on the road, the entire community benefits and children’s’ walking and biking routes to school are safer; and WHEREAS, parents and other community members can help build Arcata’s safe routes to school by identifying pedestrian safety issues and advocating environmental, policy and personal changes to create more walker-friendly neighborhoods. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City Council of the City of Arcata hereby declares October 2016 to be INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL MONTH. ‘The Council encourages everyone to consider the safety and health of children today and. every day. Dated: September 21, 2016 YW Q Paul Pitino Mayor