A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP CONSENSUS STATEMENT AND JOINING THE SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL NATIONAL PARTNERSHIP (2006-02-13/R-6)

WHEREAS, a Safe Routes to School National Partnership has been established and the Partnership has proposed a Consensus Statement; and

WHEREAS, Safe Routes to School programs provide a way to pursue numerous public policy goals related to:

• Decreasing traffic congestion
• Improving health and reducing childhood obesity
• Increasing physical activity
• Improving air quality
• Increasing community safety and access: and

WHEREAS, the Goals of the Partnership are to support the development and implementation of successful Safe Routes to School programs throughout the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Principles bringing together the Partners are a desire to:

• Set goals for successful implementation of Safe Routes to Schools programs
• Share “best practices” information with all interested parties
• Secure funding and other resources to assist with program implementation
• Provide sound and consistent policy input to implementing agencies
• Provide effective training and educational resource materials to assist communities in establishing and implementing Safe Routes to School programs
• Provide a unified voice for Safe Routes to School; and

WHEREAS, it is the goal of the Chapel Hill 2000 Comprehensive Plan to increase pedestrian and bicycle use; and

WHEREAS, Chapel Hill has initiated a safe routes to school program as part of its Active Living By Design program; and

WHEREAS, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership is a vital forum for bringing together organizations and groups with a common desire to see Safe Routes to School programs flourish and grow throughout the United States; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Chapel Hill that the Council endorses the Safe Routes to School National Partnership Consensus Statement.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council joins the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.

This the 13^th day of February, 2006.