5 easy ways to get involved with Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Month in Clarkston
As weather changes and the school year ends, more children will walk and bike home and through Clarkston neighborhoods in the coming months. Safety and awareness of pedestrians and cyclists will become vital and important issues with the arrival of summer. Because of this, the Clarkston Active Living Initiative (CALI) proposed to the Clarkston City Council that May should be declared Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Month.
Here are 5 events you can get involved in during Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Month in Clarkston this May, 5 reasons to get involved, and 5 health benefits of regular walking and biking.
5 events to participate in during Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Month
- Walk and a Movie: Participants start the night with a 30-minute walk around the track at the K.D. Moore Community Development Center. Movie night is on Friday, May 3, and features Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax.
- Communicycle events: Workshops on basic bicycle repair available every Thursday from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Clarkston Community Center activity field.
- Clarkston Farmers Market: Weekly outdoor market every Sunday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Clarkston Community Center activity field, with fresh local food grown here in Clarkston. EBT food stamps accepted, and doubled in value.
- The Vegetable Parade: Costume making in the Clarkston Community Center from 3:30-6 p.m. Friday, May 17. Adults, kids, and pets will dress as their favorite vegetables and leave from the Clarkston Farmer’s Market at 1:30 on Sunday, May 19. The parade goes from the Community Center to Milam Park.
- Early opening of Milam Park for pool party: After the Vegetable Parade, the Milam Park pool will open early for a pre-season pool party.
5 reasons to get involved with Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Month
- To enjoy the fresh spring air
- To learn about the rules of the road
- To meet other members of the community
- To get to know Clarkston businesses and services
- To play and have fun!
5 positive results of regularly walking and riding your bicycle
- Walking 10,000 steps a day is associated with healthy weight
- Walking can decrease feelings of tiredness by 65%
- Walking lowers levels of “bad” cholesterol
- Biking just 30 minutes a day helps you maintain a healthy weight
- An active lifestyle can improve quality of life
Source: the City of Clarkston (http://www.clarkstonga.gov/index.php/services/maps/86-city-events/413-may-bike-safety-month)