Whereas, Parents cite safety issues and traffic concerns as the number one reason for not allowing their children to walk or bike to school; this concern is substantiated by the fact that there is a high probability the result will be fatal when a pedestrian is involved in an accident; and

Whereas, Health experts and health programs recommend walking and bicycling to school as an effective strategy to fight childhood obesity; and

Whereas, School districts face increasing cost s in fuel and decreasing transportation budgets resulting in restricted or eliminated bus transportation; and

Whereas, Funding exists to improve infrastructure, local neighborhoods and parks from sources such as federal and state programs and grants or local government capital improvement funding and budgets; now therefore be it

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent associations encourage and collaborate with school administrations and local officials to bring attention to unsafe walking and biking routes to schools; and be it further

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent associat ions encourage local governments to seek out and apply for state and federal infrastructure grants, utilizing funds to build and improve infrastructure, including but not limited to sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, crossing signals, traffic signals and street lighting; and be it further

Resolved, That PTA and its constituent associations urge federal, state and local governments to adopt policies that encourage transportation planners and engineers to design and improve roadways to provide safe routes to school.