[James Oberstar at the
National Bike Summit]

[From the League of American Bicyclists Newsletter]

The National Center for Safe Routes to School has announced it will establish an annual award in the name of Congressman James L. Oberstar.

Oberstar has fought for transportation issues for over 30 years and has been a major champion for Safe Routes to School. His passion for the program helped get funding for Safe Routes included in the current transportation bill to the tune of $612 million.

Here’s an official quote from Oberstar taken from the National Center for Safe Routes website:

“Small changes like adult supervision at intersections, better training of school patrollers, and improved sidewalks or bike paths are enough to encourage parents to let their kids walk or bike to school, instead of sitting on a bus or riding in a car. This program has the potential to improve the health and well-being of an entire generation of school children.”

[Southeast Portland]

I had the good fortune of hearing Oberstar address a crowded room of bike advocates at the National Bike Summit. He spoke with conviction about the importance of Safe Routes to School and implored us to not be satisfied with the status quo.

There are Safe Routes to School programs in almost every state in the country, and I think Portland deserves serious consideration for this award. The combined efforts of PDOT the BTA, and Alta Planning have had a significant impact on not just getting more kids to walk and bike to school, but making sure they’re safer once they do.