[Archived] Alexandria Upgrades Elementary School Crosswalks

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	August 30, 2006 PIO# 193-06/rdo	Brian Hannigan, Director of Communications, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

ALEXANDRIA UPGRADES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CROSSWALKS
City to Implement “Safe Routes to School” Program

Crosswalks adjacent to Alexandria’s thirteen public elementary schools have been upgraded this summer as part of a Citywide effort to increase safety for primary and middle school students who walk or bicycle to school. The crosswalks initiative is the first step in the City’s planned Safe Routes to School program.

“Well-marked crosswalks are a critical component of our pedestrian system,” said Richard Baier, Director of the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services. “To function effectively, crosswalks must be clearly visible to drivers in all kinds of weather. We are proud to begin this multi-year effort to improve intersection safety in public and private school neighborhoods throughout Alexandria.”

Crosswalk improvements include installing new markings, re-marking faded areas, and applying high-visibility reflective material.

A multi-agency City working group is coordinating plans for the Safe Routes to School program. Representatives of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities; Planning and Zoning; and Transportation and Environmental Services are identifying funding sources and program priorities with staff from Alexandria City Public Schools and Alexandria’s Police, Fire and Health Departments.

“The Safe Routes to School Program gives Alexandria the opportunity to improve student safety while we also promote physical fitness among our young people,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille. “It’s a natural outgrowth of the Community Pathways initiative that the City inaugurated last February to improve the safety of pedestrians citywide.”

For more information on the Safe Routes to School Program, call Yon Lambert, Alexandria’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator, 703-838-4966, extension 183; or visit www.alexride.org.

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