Several residents have contacted the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic with concerns over last week’s article, County Board withdraws support for “Complete Streets” workshop, and what this means for the future of the Moving Matters project. The fact is our efforts to promote and support safe and accessible streets throughout the county and Grand Portage Reservation are alive and well!
We acknowledge that some county commissioners had concerns about the organization that would facilitate and fund the workshop. Had we been made aware of these concerns when it was first brought to the county board, we would have pursued other options. Despite their concerns, we applaud the commissioners, including Commissioner Gamble, who have repeatedly stated their support for active living and safe walking and biking within Cook County. We also share the commissioners’ concerns that it is important to plan for the future, prioritize the needs of the taxpayers and face our local financial realities. In fact, these concerns are central to the work of Moving Matters.
Moving Matters is a home-grown, countywide project of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic and many local partners. The project strives to create safe and accessible walking and biking routes for people of all ages and abilities. Street and road design, as well as other local policies, can have a dramatic impact on whether people feel it is safe and inviting to be active in our communities. When communities create spaces that are safe and inviting to be active, more people are active. This active lifestyle, in turn, brings with it long-term health benefits that are good for individuals and the community.
Moving Matters will continue to work with the community to create conversations about how we can re-prioritize safety and accessibility for all people—especially children and seniors—whether we walk, bike, or drive on our public roadways. Share your experiences and ideas at www.facebook.com/becausemovingmatters to help us create safer streets, a healthier community and a place where we all want to live, work and play.
Kristin DeArruda Wharton, RN
Moving Matters Project Coordinator
Rita Plourde, CEO
Sawtooth Mountain Clinic
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