Walk Smart Presentation

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 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.



Why Walk?

Health and WellnessBuilding Community

It’s Free, Clean, “Green” Transportation



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



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



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



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



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

Unmarked Crosswalks – IT’S THE LAW!



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



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”.



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.



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.



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



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



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.



Safety Issue #3:

Jaywalking



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.



• 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?



Getting Around on Foot

Your Walking NeedsYou’re the Expert!



How to Become Involved



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

Rob Pung, [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



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



Thank You!

www.wpcwalks.orgwww.eldersinaction.org

http://www.wpcwalks.org/

Walk Smart Presentation

Education

Transcript of Walk Smart Presentation