"Walk to School Week" Comes to High Lakes Elementary

NorthWest Crossing, an award-winning mixed-use Bend neighborhood, has partnered with Commute Options of Central Oregon to fund "Walk to School Week" at High Lakes Elementary. This will be the first program of its kind in Bend that is privately funded and is based on Commute Options' Oregon Safe Routes to School (SRTS) and Walking School Bus Programs. The program will be held from May 19-23, 2008.

"NorthWest Crossing is the perfect neighborhood to hold a Walking School Bus," said Kim Curley of Commute Options. "It is set up for pedestrians already, which increases safety for the walkers and the ease of planning our routes This is the first time we have received private neighborhood funding for this program, which is usually supported by state grants, and we are pleased to be able to expand our Walking School Bus to High Lakes' students in this way."

Each morning during Walk to School Week, parents and students will meet at a central location less than a mile from the school for a 20-25 minute "walking school bus" ride. Along the way, children will learn pedestrian safety and will become more familiar with the neighborhood around the school. Upon arrival at High Lakes, participants will be greeted with healthy snacks donated by local businesses and Commute Options prizes such as flashing lights and reflective gear.

Valerie Yost, marketing manager for Brooks Resources, one of the developers of NorthWest Crossing, explains, "High Lakes Elementary is a core part of our neighborhood in NorthWest Crossing and we are looking forward to working with Commute Options to support students with Walk to School Week. This program fits in with many of our overall goals, including walking, using public transit, improving pedestrian safety, and encouraging health and wellness in children."

About Commute Options
Commute Options for Central Oregon is a non-profit promoting choices that reduce the impacts of driving alone. By choosing to walk, bike, carpool, vanpool, telework or ride transit you can save gas, improve health and keep our communities clean and liveable. Commute Options works with the business community to recruit and retain good employees through the Commute Options Rewards program. Our Safe Routes to School is a nationally funded effort to encourage more children to walk and bike to school by improving the physical environment and providing incentives and education to families. For more information about Commute Options, contact Kim Curley at 541/330-2647 or visit the Commute Options website.