Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Active in Moorhead host National Bike Walk event

Promoters for active living have formed a group called Active In Moorhead (AIM) They hosted presentations by Bob Chauncey and Mark Plotz from the National Center for Bicycling and Walking. Bob and Mark talked about the many reason why walking and biking are good activities. Improved health and illness prevention are tied to the need to reduce health care costs. Benefits to the environment are well documented too.

Bob's presentation focused on the economic benefits of walking and bicycling trails and safe routes to school. Communities that improve their pedestrian routes and establish bike paths see an increase in land values near trails and demonstrate increased retail shop occupancy. When we calm the traffic movement through our retail areas people get out of their cars and shop. At the same time pedestrian and bike accidents are reduced when more people bike and walk.

They have more good ideas on their web site www.bikewalk.org