WHEREAS, walking is a healthy mode of travel that is environmentally friendly and beneficial to one’s health; and
WHEREAS, individuals are more likely to engage in walking when communities are safe and attractive public places; and
WHEREAS, the safety of people outside of vehicles is a significant traffic safety concern, with at least two pedestrians or bicyclists killed on California roads every day; and
WHEREAS, there remains a need for education on the numerous pedestrian safety measures already undertaken by the City of Costa Mesa, such as leading pedestrian intervals, accessible pedestrian signals, improved signal timing, pedestrian countdown displays, and more, as well as a need for drivers to be more aware and cautious when on the road; and
WHEREAS, the Costa Mesa City Council has adopted Advance Environmental Sustainability and Climate Resiliency as a Goal and Objective, which includes a Pedestrian Master Plan update; and
WHEREAS, the City promotes walking and movement as a means to support health, economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and social equity; and
WHEREAS, the City of Costa Mesa hosted several Walk to School events throughout the City, with hundreds of students participating, to raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa, do hereby proclaim the month of October 2022 as Walktober Month. I encourage our residents to rededicate themselves to enjoying the benefits of walking and ensuring the safety of pedestrians in our community.
DATED this 18
th day of October 2022.
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John B. Stephens, Mayor of the City of Costa Mesa