Involve Public Officials
Having the ear of local public officials can speed up the process of getting changes made to improve walking and biking conditions like a new sidewalk or crosswalk. Walk to School events provide a way for officials to demonstrate their support for health, environment and safety issues.
Consider asking officials to be involved in the following ways:
- Invite them to lead your walk.
- Present them with the results of walkability checklists and ask for their assistance in making identified improvements.
- Ask for an official Walk to School proclamation from the mayor or governor.
- Hold a press conference at the start of your walk or at school when walkers arrive. Urge school and public officials to commit to specific steps they'll take to make it easier to walk all of the time.
- Not sure who to invite? Check out the many different officials
who have participated in walking events:
- City council members
- City managers
- City transportation officials
- Mayors
- Police chiefs
- Fire chiefs
- Ped/Bike coordinators
- State secretaries of transportation
- Governors
- Congressional representatives
