Proclamation
WHEREAS, the lives of hundreds of children could be saved each year if communities take steps to make pedestrian safety a priority; and WHEREAS, a lack of physical activity plays a leading role in rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other health problems among children and being able to walk or bicycle to school offers an opportunity to build activity into daily routine; and WHEREAS, driving students to school by private vehicle contributes to traffic congestion and air pollution; and WHEREAS, an important role for parents and caregivers is to teach children about pedestrian safety and become aware of the difficulties and dangers that children face on their trip to school each day and the health and environmental risks related to physical inactivity and air pollution; and WHEREAS, community leaders and parents can determine the "walkability" of their community by using a walkability checklist; and WHEREAS, community members and leaders should make a plan to make immediate changes to enable children to safely walk and bicycle in our communities and develop a list of suggestions for improvements that can be done over time; and WHEREAS, children, parents and community leaders around the world are joining together to walk to school and evaluate walking and bicycling conditions in their communities; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, MATTHEW SERRATTO, Mayor of the City of Merced, do hereby proclaim October 2, 2024, “Walk, Ride, and Roll to School Day” and encourage everyone to consider the safety and health of children today and every day.
Signed this 16th day of September 2024.
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Matthew Serratto, Mayor of Merced