Why invite elected officials to Walk+Bike to School Day?

There are so many great things that could happen if you invite your local Oregon representative to your school on Walk+Bike to School Day, October 5th.

Here are the top 2 reasons to send a quick invitation:

1. In the 2017 Oregon Legislature, elected leaders will decide what to include in a new Oregon transportation package. Most leaders do not know the challenges facing families when trying to get to school by walking or biking. Walk+Bike to School Day is a great way to celebrate walking to school while showing leaders the unique features and challenges on the streets in your neighborhood!
2. The For Every Kid Coalition is working to educate Oregon leaders about Safe Routes to School in preparation for the big decision that will be made in the 2017 legislative session. Leaders can learn more by coming your school, experiencing Walk+Bike to School Day, and engaging with you and your neighbors. Walk+Bike to School Day is a great example of a Safe Routes to School encouragement program.

Note: If your school is not planning on having a Walk+Bike to School Day event, don’t let that stop you from reaching our to your representative! Invite them to meet you at your school and experience the reasons why your kids can’t walk or bike to school. Or sign up now to receive free incentives, celebrate the joys of walking, and encourage more kids to try it!

Here’s all you need to do:

Step 1: Copy and paste your school’s street address in this form.
Step 2: You will soon find the email address and phone number for your Oregon Senate and House Representative!
Step 3: Compose and send a simple email like this one!

Title: Invitation to Walk+Bike to School event on October 5

Dear XXX,

October 5th is International Walk and Bike to School Day! XXX Elementary in your district is celebrating walking and biking to school on this day with prizes, organized walks, bike rides, and other festivities. Can you come to our event and help us celebrate getting to school in a safe and healthy way?

Date: October 5th, 2016
Time: XXX
School:XXX
Address: XXXXX
Special instructions: XXXX

Please let me know if you can make it. I know the kids would love to see you, a local leader, supporting them as they choose to walk or bike to school!

Best,
XXX

For extra credit:

• Follow up with a phone call.
• Kids can send the invitation and make the call. Kids are often the best messenger!
• Give options for three different dates and times if you have any other events coming up.
• Include a picture or flyer.
• Research your representative and mention an interest of theirs in the invitation.