Title
A Resolution supporting the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, a proposed partnership between the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and the Fayette County Board of Education, for the establishment and maintenance of safe routes for children and parents biking and walking to school in Lexington-Fayette County. [Council Office, Maynard]
Body
WHEREAS, the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government ("LFUCG") and the Fayette County Board of Education have proposed the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program in an effort to designate safe routes for students and parents walking and biking to school in Lexington-Fayette County; and
WHEREAS, the health and safety of pupils is a priority for the Board of Education and LFUCG; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education and LFUCG recognize that heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are responsible for two-thirds (2/3) of deaths in the United States, and a major risk factor for those diseases is sedentary behavior formed during childhood; and
WHEREAS, the National Center for SRTS lists the five following health benefits of walking or biking to school: (1) weight and blood pressure control; (2) bone, muscle, and joint health and maintenance; (3) reduction in the risk of diabetes; (4) improved psychological welfare; and (5) better academic performance; and
WHEREAS, Fayette County Public Schools and LFUCG seek to provide and promote opportunities for physical education, like walking or biking to and from school, in order to foster lifelong habits of healthy physical activity; and
WHEREAS, the Board of Education and LFUCG Divisions of Police, Planning, Traffic Engineering, and Streets and Roads have been identified as critical partners for the establishment and maintenance of safe routes to school; and
WHEREAS, the Division of Traffic Engineering has submitted an application to the Lexington Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), under the Transportation Alternatives Program, for Fayette County Elementary School Zone Enhancements in the SRTS project category; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this project is to ensure that school zones are provided with consistent signage and markings throughout the county in a manner that adheres to the current Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; and
WHEREAS, if constructed, these improvements will encourage alternative modes of accessing school facilities by providing safer school zones and connectivity of bicycle and pedestrian routes.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE LEXINGTON-FAYETTE URBAN COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
Section 1 - That the above recitals are incorporated herein as if fully stated.
Section 2 - That the Urban County Council of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government supports the SRTS Program, a proposed partnership between the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and the Fayette County Board of Education, for the establishment and maintenance of safe routes for children and parents biking and walking to and from school in Lexington-Fayette County.
Section 3 - That the Clerk of the Urban County Council is hereby authorized and directed to send a copy of this Resolution to the Fayette County Board of Education.
Section 4 - That this Resolution shall become effective on the date of its passage.
PASSED URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL:
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MAYOR
ATTEST:
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CLERK OF URBAN COUNTY COUNCIL