News room
For Immediate Release |
Media
Contact: Jeff Finn |
New senior pedestrian safety program ramps up
for kick-off with educational workshops
WHAT:
In the weeks leading up to the launch of its senior pedestrian safety program, Walk Wise, Drive Smart will host a series of educational workshops in the Hendersonville community. Open to the public, these hands-on workshops will assist the community in creating safer and more inviting walking environments for senior adults.
WHEN & WHERE:
Safe Routes for Seniors
Thursday, April 6, 10:00am-3:45pm
Hendersonville Public Library
301 N. Washington St.
Hendersonville, NC 28739
Feet First Walking Audit Report
Walking Audit of Hyman Heights Neighborhood
Monday, April 10, 1:00-5:00pm
Starting at the Opportunity House
1411 Asheville Hwy.
Hendersonville, NC 28791
Report of Problems and Solutions
Tuesday, April 11, 10:00am
Hendersonville Operations Center
305 Williams St.
Hendersonville, NC 28792
SIGNIFICANCE:
Next to driving or riding
in cars, walking is the most frequent mode of transportation for
senior adults. The ability of senior adults
to safely walk outside their homes is a major key to keeping them
connected to their communities and interests. Improving
the pedestrian environment in Hendersonville will benefit not only
senior adults but also all residents and visitors.
Senior pedestrians have a greater chance of suffering serious or
fatal injuries if involved in a crash than younger pedestrians. More
than 31 percent of Hendersonville’s
population is age 65 and older, making it an ideal model community
for the Walk Wise, Drive Smart program.
Safe Routes for Seniors is led by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information
Center , and brings together health and transportation professionals,
law enforcement officers, local residents and community leaders
to explore ways to make walking a safer and more appealing way
to get around a community, especially for seniors. Participants
identify barriers and create action plans that use a combination
of strategies such as teaching pedestrian safety, constructing
sidewalks, working with law enforcement to slow traffic and initiating
walking clubs and contests.
Feet First, a non-profit organization that promotes walking and advocates for
pedestrian rights, will lead a walking audit of Hyman Heights neighborhood,
along with its residents, to receive their immediate feedback and concerns. The
day after the audit, Feet First prepares and presents a summary report to local
government agencies, developers and community groups.
Walk Wise, Drive Smart is a neighborhood-based, senior-pedestrian-friendly
initiative within Hendersonville, NC , and the surrounding areas.
Building upon established community relationships and based on community input,
the program aims to create more pedestrian-friendly environments for senior
adults that can be replicated in similar settings in North Carolina
and beyond.
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