LAUSD: Get to School without a Car

SPECIAL MEETING 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 28, 2009

http://laschoolboard.org/files/4-28-09CSAgenda.pdf

This is the resolution introduced by Board member Ms. T Galatzan - Get to School without a Car Day (Waiver of Board Rule 72)
Whereas, The Los Angeles Unified School District should encourage healthy behavior of students, parents and school staff members by encouraging them to walk or ride a bicycle to schools instead of driving;
Whereas, The promotion of healthier lifestyles through walking or bicycling to schools will help reduce carbon monoxide gases from cars and trucks which have adverse effects on the health of children;
Whereas, Bicycling and walking to school can have a positive mental and physical impact on the health of students and learning capabilities;
Whereas, Daily bicycling and walking exercise can help to reduce obesity and prevent diabetes;
Whereas, Nationally in 1969, about 90 percent of kids who lived within a mile of school walked or rode bikes to get there and nationally in 2004, just 48 percent did at least one day a week;
Whereas, Students need to learn at an early age and be exposed to alternative modes of transportation other than using a vehicle to transport to schools;
Whereas, In recent years the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) has enhanced the public transportation system throughout the city by providing bicycle racks on their buses, making it more accessible and user-friendly for bicyclist;
Whereas, May is the National Bike to Work Month and May 15 is National Bike to Work Day; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That Los Angeles Unified School District schools receiving the Safe Routes to School educational program grants, about 250 elementary schools and 15 middle schools, be helped to disperse the free educational materials for students and parents;
Resolved further, That the District collaborate with the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, Los Angeles County of Public Health, and the City of Los Angeles Bicycle Advisory Committee to develop a blueprint for a Bicycle Policy Guidelines to be adopted by each school; and be it finally
Resolved, That the District encourage schools and offices to participate in the annual National "Bike/Walk to Work Day," on Friday, May 15, 2009, and declare Friday, May 15, 2009, "Bike/Walk to School Day" for students, parents, and school staff.