Walk Smart Presentation

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Walk Smart is a course designed for seniors who are interested in walking more and improving their local walking environment. This course is in partnership with Elders in Action and made possible by the Northwest Health Foundation. For more information about Walk Smart, contact the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition:info [at] wpcwalks [dot] org503.223.1597

Transcript of Walk Smart Presentation

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

The Willamette Pedestrian Coalition is a non-profit community-based membership organization dedicated to promoting walking and making the conditions for walking safe and attractive.

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Elders in Action is dedicated to assuring a vibrant community through the active involvement of older adults. We believe the quality of life should never depend on age and welcome the talent and wisdom that older adults share.

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Why Walk?

Health and WellnessBuilding Community

It’s Free, Clean, “Green” Transportation

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Walking Is Great ExerciseWalking Is Great Exercise

• Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke • Lowers blood pressure • Reduces high cholesterol• Reduces body fat and helps control body weight• Enhances mental well being • Increases bone density, hence helping to prevent osteoporosis • Reduces the risk of cancer• Reduces the risk of diabetes

From the American Heart Association

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Walking Connects YouWalking Connects You• Walking is a community building and crime prevention activity• Allows you opportunities to get to know your neighbors and to

connect with families, kids, and other seniors in the area • Provides you time to discover the intricacies and special nuances of

your community like ornate gardens, well manicured lawns, special pavement patterns, and more

• Helps you recognize when something is out of place like graffiti or an abandoned vehicle so you can call and report it to the authorities

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

More Walkers Makes Walking SaferMore Walkers Makes Walking Safer

The more walkers there are out walking, the more drivers will anticipate

seeing and stopping for walkers at marked and unmarked crossings

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

The Walking WorldThe Walking World

Top Three Issues for Pedestrian Safety - Look before crossing; continue to look while you cross  - Be seen and make eye contact with drivers  - Cross legally

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Safety Issue #1: Safety Issue: Yielding to Pedestrians in Marked and

Unmarked Crosswalks – IT’S THE LAW!

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Every Corner Is a Crosswalk•Unmarked•Mid-Block•Marked and/or Signalized

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Oregon crosswalk laws (ORS 811.028): Motorists are required to stop and stay stopped for pedestrians in a crosswalk (marked and unmarked) when the pedestrian is in the “motorist’s lane or adjacent lane”.

For pedestrians using a white cane and/or a seeing eye dog – drivers

must stop and stay stopped for the pedestrians “curb to curb”.

In January 2006 this law was modified for drivers making a turn at a traffic controlled intersection to stop and stay stopped for pedestrians “lane plus 6 feet”.

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

According to Oregon crosswalk laws, pedestrians have two primary responsibilities: 1) Allow cars adequate time and distance to stop; 2) Show “intent” to cross by putting one foot into the crossing.

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Stopping Distance and Reaction Time Speed Dramatically Reduces The Survival Rate of Pedestrians

If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle traveling 20 mph – 5% fatality rate.If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle traveling 30 mph – 40% fatality rate.If a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle traveling 40 mph – 95% fatality rate.

When a senior is struck by a moving vehicle, it more often results in a fatality because their bodies are unable to recover from a crash like a younger person.

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

For safety reasons, pedestrians should also do the following:

Look before crossing and continue to look while you cross. Be especially alert for turning drivers and when crossing multiple lanes where your view may be blocked from drivers or drivers may switch lanes not knowing that you are crossing

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Safety Issue #2: Seeing & Being Seen as a Pedestrian

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Be seen and make eye contact with drivers. Make yourself visible especially during dark and sometimes rainy days and evenings. Carry a flashlight or flashing strobe and wear contrasting clothing or reflective wear so something on you is light or bright.

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Safety Issue #3:

Jaywalking

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Cross legally. It is legal to cross at any intersection (some are marked with pavement markings, many are unmarked) and designated mid-block crossings. Crossing anywhere else is illegal.

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

• Where do you go? • How do you get there?• What is important to you in making a route?• Walking Toolkit: What do you need to get out there?

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Getting Around on Foot

Your Walking NeedsYou’re the Expert!

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

How to Become Involved

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Neighborhood AssociationsCentral City Neighborhood AssociationMonday, Nov. 9, 2009 at 7:00pmMetroEast Community Media829 NE 8th Street, Gresham OR

Rob Pung, President503-995-8627rhpung@hevanet.com

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Get Involved with the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition• Join the WPC• Volunteer• Write an Article• Lead a Walk

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org

Thank You!

www.wpcwalks.orgwww.eldersinaction.org

Elders in Actionwww.eldersinaction.org

Willamette Pedestrian Coalitionwww.wpcwalks.org