(Albany, NY - October 2, 2002) As children and parents from Public School 16 arrived at school this morning, they were greeted by a number of local, state and education officials to celebrate WALK OUR CHILD TO SCHOOL WEEK in New York State and WALK OUR CHILD TO SCHOOL DAY in the City of Albany.

"The Walk Your Children to School Program provides an excellent example of the partnership and cooperative spirit we at the state government level have forged with local communities in the interests of our kids and their safety," DOT Commissioner Joseph H. Boardman said. "The State Department of Transportation, with Governor Pataki's firm support and leadership, is once again proud to be a part of this special event which stresses the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety for children of all ages throughout New York State. For its part, DOT will continue to promote both the physical and environmental benefits of walking as a mode of transportation in our communities."

WALK OUR CHILD TO SCHOOL DAY is a national campaign of the National Safety Council, the Partnership for a Walkable America and Walking Magazine that encourages families to walk to schools or bus stops together at least one day each year. This calls attention to walking, which is an activity that is beneficial to good health; encourages the development of life-long safe walking habits; and, helps ensure a safe trip for school-age children.

"The safety of our children is every parent's greatest concern," said Raymond P. Martinez, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Chairman of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC). "Under Governor Pataki's leadership the safety of New York's children remains a priority. In fact, the GTSC continues to promote local public education and enforcement programs that ensure the safety of our children and all other pedestrians and motorists sharing New York's streets and highways."

The New York State campaign encourages parents and schools to become more involved with improving pedestrian safety. Through partnerships with state and local agencies, traffic congestion near schools can be reduced; pedestrian amenities can be introduced or improved; and, preferred walking routes through neighborhoods can be developed.

In conjunction with Public School 16, the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), the City of Albany and Albany County through its County Traffic Awareness Committee, County Traffic Safety Board and County Health Department, the GTSC and DOT sponsored the event.

"Children are our most precious gift and their safety must be a priority for all of us," said Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings. "We are proud to be a part of the Walk Our Children to School Week and encourage all motorists to observe the rules of traffic safety. Our children deserve our best efforts."

City of Albany Mayor Jennings and Albany County Chief Executive Michael Breslin were on hand at School 16 to greet the children and their parents as they arrive. Also present were the Albany City Police Department mounted police and motorcycle units. The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) provided a bus to teach the children proper techniques for entering and exiting a bus safely. Principal Kimberly Young Wilkins invited walkers to enjoy light refreshments courtesy of Hannaford Brothers Supermarkets.

"The Walk Your Children to School program is an effective and fun way to introduce safe walking patterns to our children who are pedestrians before they become riders," said CDTA Chairman David Stackrow. "Safety is our number one concern when providing transportation services for the Capital Region. We must all do our part to encourage safe walking behavior and traffic patterns starting with our youth."

After welcoming guests and parents who had walked their children to School 16, Steve Lewis, Director Passenger Transportation Division for the State DOT, introduced those who were participating in the event. DMV Commissioner Martinez read an excerpt from Governor George E. Pataki's proclamation declaring the week, WALK OUR CHILD TO SCHOOL WEEK throughout New York State. Albany County Chief Executive Michael Breslin then presented Principal Wilkins with a proclamation of September 30 - October 4 as WALK OUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL WEEK in Albany County. Mayor Jennings then presented school officials with his proclamation of October 2 as WALK OUR CHILD TO SCHOOL DAY in the City of Albany. Those also speaking at the event included David Stackrow, CDTA Chairman, John Neilsen, Commissioner, City of Albany Public Safety, and Lonnie Palmer Superintendent Albany City School District.

The New York State Department of Transportation Region 1 Traffic and Safety Unit demonstrated the operation of its new "Countdown" signals for the children and parents. The countdown signal uses ITS technology to inform pedestrians to the time remaining to cross the street safely. This is a major advancement in safety technology being used by the Department to improve pedestrian safety at intersections.

"Walking and bicycling are essential forms of transportation for children," said Commissioner Boardman. "DOT is committed to working with local communities to provide a safe trip to and from school for children around the state."