Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State are dedicated to preserving the safety, health and well-being of our children; some of the greatest risks are presented to children when they cross or walk on public streets; communities throughout our State are encourage to make pedestrian safety a priority for our children, and by doing so, reduce the number of pedestrian-related accidents and the often tragic consequences; and

Whereas, it is important to develop safe and smart travel habits, to instill these practices in our children and remind them to obey safety rules; parents and guardians should teach children about pedestrian safety and become aware of the difficulties and dangers that children can encounter on their daily commute to and from school; and

Whereas, this year in communities throughout New York State and our entire Nation, children, parents and local leaders are joining together to promote walking as a healthy form of physical activity and practical means of getting to and from school; it is also an opportunity for local officials to evaluate pedestrian safety in their community by using the "Walkable America Checklist"; and

Whereas, a growing number of communities are implementing measures to make their environments safer for pedestrians, especially schoolchildren; by making vital improvements, ranging from improved sidewalks on newly-constructed and existing streets and improved intersection crossings, to implementing widespread traffic-calming measures, the level of safety on our streets can be significantly increased; and

Whereas, ensuring the safety of our children also requires a knowledge of New York State law; working toward this goal are many state and local agencies, law enforcement communities and private organizations that work to encourage correct and safe walking habits through increased public information, education, enforcement, engineering and encouragement; and

Whereas, it is fitting that all New Yorkers join in a collective effort to improve the health and safety of our children by taking protective measures that safeguard their well-being and enable them to live, play and learn in a better world; moreover, when parents instill good pedestrian safety habits in their children by teaching them to exercise caution in all situations and circumstances, the risk of death or injury can be greatly reduced;

Now, Therefore, I, George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby recognize October 2, 2001 as

WALK OUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL SAFELY DAY

in the Empire State.

George E. Pataki
Governor