Today marks one year since the passing of Deb Hubsmith, founder of the Safe Routes Partnership, on August 18, 2015. We at the Safe Routes Partnership are taking a moment to reflect on Deb’s legacy and the growing power of the movement for walking, biking, and physical activity.
 
Deb would have been proud to know how much has been accomplished in one year. Last September, the Surgeon General announced a call to action for walking and walkability, recognizing the importance of walking and physical activity for the health of all Americans. In April, hundreds of Safe Routes to School advocates and champions came together for the fifth Safe Routes to School National Conference in Columbus, Ohio.  And the Safe Routes Partnership, which Deb founded in 2005, celebrated its 10^thanniversary, having grown from an all-volunteer organization  to a powerful coalition with more than 800 partners, a $3 million budget, and nearly 20 staff who are working to advance walking, biking, and physical activity in communities across the country.

This October, we will be celebrating the 20^th anniversary of Walk to School Day.Deb was a true believer in the power of Walk to School Day for inspiring kids and communities to embrace walking and bicycling year-round. This year, Deb would surely encourage us to use our best and most creative energy to leverage momentum for walking and kick off citywide efforts to improve conditions for walking and bicycling.
 
Today, we pause to remember Deb’s spirit, tenacity, and commitment to making our world a healthier place.  And, more than that, we thank all of the people who continue to mirror her passionate and collaborative approach to keeping the movement going in schools, neighborhoods, cities, states, and across the nation.
 
Thank you,

Cass Isidro
Executive Director