All across the country communities are working to make streets safer and more accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists in an effort to help people go from place to place without the aid of a motor. Besides the physical and mental benefits to the participants, proponents say there is also less automobile traffic on the road and less carbon fuel being burned and sent into the atmosphere, and more economic activity with increased bicycle tourism and local business.
That is called a win-win.
Today, similar efforts are coming to Cook County. The Sawtooth Mountain Clinic has launched a project called “Moving Matters” and is working to create safe and accessible walking and biking routes for all people.
“To kickoff the start of this three-year project, we are hosting an event on Thursday, September 19 on the library lawn from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,” said Maren Webb, assistant coordinator for Moving Matters.
Former U.S. Congressman James Oberstar, a strong advocate of active living and bike trails during his long career in Congress, will be the keynote speaker. Congressman Oberstar will talk from 12:30 to 1:30 and his theme will be “Active Living As You Age.”
During the morning there will a bouncy house, Zumba and an outdoor story time for young children. Following Congressman Oberstar’s speech there will be bike/walk tours ongoing into the afternoon.
The four-to six-block tours will allow participants to experience and assess the walkability and bikeability of the city streets, a county road and Highway 61. All ages and ability levels are welcome. “Just don’t forget your walking shoes or bicycle,” said Webb.
After school there will activities for older kids and from 4-6 p.m. the Stonebridge Singers Traditional Drum from Grand Portage will perform. Girl Scout Troop 4077 will be hosting a food fundraiser so families can enjoy dinner together.
Kristin DeArruda Wharton, an RN at the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic, is the coordinator for Moving Matters, along with her duties as the State Health Improvement Program (SHIP) coordinator. Besides all of the festivities, said DeArruda Wharton, the day will be a time to share experiences of walking and biking on roads and streets in Cook County and to give input on how more improvements can be made.
“At its core, Moving Matters is a project about people, community health, and our love of this place. What we know is that chronic health conditions like diabetes, cancer and heart disease are affecting all of our families and our communities. Looking at safety and accessibility of our public roads and streets is a very effective way to get people moving and to help us stay healthier and reduce the burden of chronic disease that so many of our families face.
“We are really looking forward to working with the community and many important partner organizations to see how we can enhance our roads and streets as a safe place to walk and bike throughout the county,” said DeArruda Wharton.
Funding for this project is provided by the Center for Prevention at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota.
For more information about the kick-off on the 19th or the Moving Matters project, visit www.sawtoothmountainclinic.org; email movingnatters@boreal.org, or call 218-387-2330 x 110.
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