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 ...
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