St. Augustine Record letter: Let's make St. Augusitne the most walker and bicycle friendly small city in America

Letter: Make city the most 'pedestrian, bike friendly' in U.S.
By PHILIP MCDANIEL
Created 01/07/2011 - 12:00am
Summary:

Editor: My four resolutions are one in the same: Make St. Augustine the most "pedestrian and bicycle friendly" small city in America.
St. Augustine

Editor: My four resolutions are one in the same: Make St. Augustine the most "pedestrian and bicycle friendly" small city in America.

Put the needs of people and bicycles ahead of cars, trolleys and trains.

Urge city commissioners to upgrade our bikeways, crosswalks, and sidewalks.

Seek PR campaigns aimed at drivers. The message? Our economy, well-being and quality of life improves when we each make pedestrians our first priority.

Our Vistor and Convention Bureau could promote it as "one of the best new reasons to visit the nation's oldest city."

According to the CDC in Atlanta, American society has become "obesogenic," characterized by environments that promote increased food intake, nonhealthful foods, and physical inactivity. Policy and environmental change initiatives that make healthy choices in nutrition and physical activity available, affordable, and easy will likely prove most effective in combating obesity.

Consider the ominous trends over the past 25 years. In Florida, between 1985 - 1987, less than 10 percent of adults were classified as "obese" by the CDC. In 1988-1994, the rate increased to 10-14 percent. 1995-2003, 15-19 percent; 2004 -2008, 20-24 percent. In 2009 we "grew" (no pun intended) to 25 - 29 percent. Nearly one in three people are overweight. Alabama and Mississippi (bellwether states for obesity) lead the nation with more than 30 percent of adults overweight.

Therefore, a direct benefit of our being the nation's "most pedestrian friendly city" will be improved health because walking and biking are two proven ways to stay in shape.

Our scenic vistas (bayfront, brick streets, national parks, and neighborhoods) are unsurpassed. So let's make them accessible.

The health, safety and welfare of our residents and visitors are of utmost importance. As we plan for the 450th commemoration, let's make public safety, biking and walking our first priority.

Good for business and even better for building our community.

Philip McDaniel

St. Augustine