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August is National Back to School Month

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Although many school districts begin in September, we celebrate National Back to School Month as a way to prepare for the coming school year.

Visit our Safe Routes to School resource page to learn what you can do and how KMM can help.

Walk and Bike to School Events

Walk and bike events, like International Walk to School Day in October, are a great way to introduce an SRTS program and get families excited about walking to school. KMM works with organizers to plan the event, map a suitable route and provide support materials.

Walk Safety Assembly

Crossing the street, traffic signals, crosswalks, and more are covered in this 45-minute interactive program ideal for first and second graders. The presentation uses slides and short videos. Giveaways include bookmarks, stickers, and glow-in-the-dark bracelets

Bike Safety Presentation

KMM presents a 20-minute program on bike safety including helmet use and fitting, basic traffic rules, and parts of the bicycle. Ideal for grades 4-6.

Bike Rodeo

This bike skills course helps students learn the basics of safe bicycling on a fun off-road course. Rodeos can be run during school, at an after-school program, at a summer camp, or during a community festival. KMM will plan your bike rodeo, layout a safety course, direct the event, and train volunteer

Walking School Bus

A walking school bus is a group of students walking together to school on a regular basis. Parents often take turns “driving” the bus, walking with the students, and providing supervision. KMM will help plan a route, assist in developing policies and procedures and provide a safety orientation to volunteers.

School Travel Plan

KMM works with schools and towns to create a plan to improve the walk or bike to school – this may include street fixes, educational programs, and police enforcement. This “school travel plan” is a blueprint for making improvements over time – and enables towns and schools to apply for supporting grants. KMM will prepare the plan with the participation of the Board of Education, municipality, parents, and community leaders.

A Walk in the Park – Week 4

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Week 4 Relaxation Week 

“Stop and smell the roses,” isn’t really about roses.  It’s about taking time to relax and appreciate the world around us.  Enjoy a leisurely walk along the bay at Raritan Bay Park or stroll the boardwalk at Old Bridge Waterfront Park.

And don’t forget the Middlesex Greenway, with a 10-foot wide, paved trail suitable for walking, biking, and jogging:

Raritan Bay Park

Old Bridge Water Front Park

We’d love to post your photos,  send them to programs@kmm.org

A Walk in the Park – Week 3

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Week 3 Family Outing Week

Middlesex County parks are family-friendly.   Johnson Park in Piscataway boasts a pirate playground, a restored 18th-century village, and, along with Merrill and Thompson Parks, an animal haven. Fishing is permitted in many of the parks.  Be sure to check for licensing regulations.  Of course, there are picnicking, ball fields and so much more.  Pack up the family and enjoy a day in the park.

For more information about Animal Havens:  Thompson Park, Merrill Park, Johnson Park.

For information about East Jersey Old Town Village: East Jersey Old Town Village

For information about fishing in Middlesex County Parks: http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/About/ParksRecreation/Pages/PR/Fishing.aspx

A Walk in the Park – Week Two

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Week 2  Nature Week 

Meander through undisturbed diverse habitats of birds, wildflowers, and wildlife at The Plainsboro Preserve.  The Preserve contains over five (5) miles of trails, the Rush Holt Education Center, and even an indoor treehouse.

Click here for a trail guide: https://njaudubon.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Trail-Map-2018-Plainsboro-no-hours.pdf

And in case you missed last’s week Walk in the Park kick-off webinar, you can catch it on our Facebook Page.

This month, as part of our Walk in the Park program, we encourage you to share the photos you snap with us.  We will share them on our social media accounts!  Please send them to: programs@kmm.org  or tag them #walkinthepark and we will share them!

 

A Walk in the Park – Week One

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Week 1 Health Week

Walking helps sharpen brains, boost moods, strengthen bones, and enhance circulation, and maintain and lose weight.  Several of Middlesex County’s parks have installed fitness stations and trails.

So what are you waiting for?  Fitness stations and trails are available at

We’d love to post your photos,  send them to: programs@kmm.org

 

Pictured here: Roosevelt Lake in Edison. Roosevelt Park is the oldest park in the Middlesex County Park System, dating back to 1917.  Set in the midst of a highly developed area, Roosevelt Park is our answer to New York City’s Central Park. Here park visitors can enjoy 196 acres of majestic trees complimented by a picturesque eight-acre lake just perfect for fishing. Roosevelt Park offers a multitude of special facilities to make it a perfect destination for day-trippers.

Healthier Perth Amboy Bicycle Racks

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Imagine a situation in which a parent and child ride bicycles to a local establishment. They arrive and discover that there is no place to secure their bicycles. They may choose to leave bikes unattended to enter. Their next option is to search for a nearby post or fixture to secure their bikes and then return to the store. Or they may decide to go elsewhere entirely. Because of this experience, it becomes less likely that they will choose to ride bicycles to return to this location.

When planning residential or commercial spaces, plan for people. It’s important to include parking for people who ride bicycles. Three years before the 2020 bike-boom, the City of Perth Amboy and Healthier Perth Amboy recognized bicycling as a healthy way to move around the city. Together, they have installed new bicycle racks at seven locations with funding from New Jersey Health Initiatives. With bicycle parking available at these locations, people who ride bicycles feel accommodated and welcome. Community members can rely on these amenities and will be willing to return with their bikes for future trips.

Bike Walk to School Month Photo Contest

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It’s that time of year to gear up for the annual Middlesex County Walk to School Day!

Join us and your neighboring communities in teaching children in Middlesex County the importance of walking safely, and the benefits of walking as a means to get places, exercise, and help the environment.

Last year, KMM helped organize successful walks in 28 Middlesex County schools and over 6,000 children participated.  I encourage you to sponsor a Walk to School Day on any day in October or on Wednesday, October 2nd for International Walk to School Day.

This October, share a photo from your journey to school. Think of the wonders of your neighborhood and show us what your favorite part of walking to school in October!

  • The winner will receive a Safe Routes to School Prize Pack, which includes a bike bell, front/rear light set, and a helmet.
  • The winner’s homeroom class will receive, stickers, pencils, and glow wristbands.
  • Contest open to Fourth Grade through Eighth Grade students in Middlesex County.
  • One entry per student.
  • Original photographs must be submitted by emailing them at programs@kmm.org.
  • Entries become the property of Keep Middlesex Moving.
  • Entries must be submitted before November 1, 2020.

My Mobility Plan

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My Mobility Plan: My Mobility Plan is a tool created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help older adults remain active, safe, and independent as they age. The plan consists of three sections:

  • Myself- How to stay independent by managing health and remaining mobile.
  • My Home- How to stay safe at home which offers a checklist to ensure a safe environment
  • My Neighborhood- A plan to ensure a person can continue to stay mobile around the community.

According to the CDC, older adults who make a plan are more likely to take action to protect their mobility and independence.

Why Have a My Mobility Plan?

  • Falls and motor vehicle crashes, which are related to mobility, are the leading causes of injury and injury death in older adults.
  • There are many negative outcomes for older adults if they stop driving or fall, including reductions in their health, social interaction, and the ability to get around.
  • CDC developed this planning tool, using available scientific evidence, to help older adults plan for future mobility changes that might increase their risk for motor vehicle crashes and falls.
  • Adult children or caregivers can also use this planning tool to help older parents, relatives, or friends.

To learn more, visit us online!