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Posted: May 9, 2005
A family outing on a spring day is filled with laughter as dripping ice
cream cones are eaten, helmets put on and bicycles mounted for a ride home
from the local mall. Cutting through the park the family passes joggers,
children playing on swings, a local soccer team engaged in practice and
several persons casually chatting together while holding the leashes of
assorted tail wagging pooches.
What do these people all have in common? Being outdoors? Relaxing in a park?
Being with friends and family? Yes to all, but there is another commonality
not often considered – they are enjoying the benefits of clean, fresh air.
For Plano’s Environmental Health Department, air quality is a full-time
“job,” with Collin County included in the Environmental Protection Agency’s
rating of “non-attainment” of national air quality standards for the
Metroplex area.
Education and awareness play important roles in the Department’s efforts to
help clean up and maintain quality air, especially through the summer months
when ozone levels in the area can reach near hazardous levels, restricting
outdoor activities for many.
“Pedals and Paws,” the Department’s free enjoyable air quality awareness
event, will be held Saturday, May 14 at Bob Woodruff Park, 2601 San Gabriel,
featuring a bike ride, family walk and several enjoyable family and pet
activities.
“The purpose of the event is to promote cleaner air by using alternate means
of transportation, such as riding a bike and walking,” said organizer Janet
Tucker, Environmental Health Specialist. “We will also have hybrid vehicles
for persons to view and related clean air information, adopt-a-pet and pet
activities.”
The free event, held rain or shine, will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a bike
ride, offering 3, 8 and 11-mile rides. A clean air walk begins at 9:30 a.m.
On-site registration for the free event begins at 7:00 a.m. for the bike
ride and at 9:00 a.m. for the walk. Registration is also offered online by
clicking here.
Persons can “paws” with their favorite pet to enjoy the day, or bring home a
new pet through the adopt-a-pet station. Several animal rescue groups will
be on site, with a variety of pet contests held between 10:30 a.m – 11:30
a.m.
A Bicycle Rodeo and obstacle course will be offered for children, with the
Plano Police Department on hand to offer personal ID# engraving for
security. The Plano Fire Department will give safety presentations and
educational exhibits will include bicycle safety checks, hybrid (alternative
fuel) vehicles, a kitemobile and environmental presentations.
All bicycle riders must abide by traffic laws and wear ANSI/SNELL approved
helmets. Dogs must be kept on leashes at all times at least 10’ from riders.
The event is sponsored in part by Target, Skinner Wholesale Nurseries and
DART. Other participants include Dean Rubsamen (State Farm), XL Cycle, Plano
Bicycle Association, TXU, North Texas Clean Air Coalition, Toyota, Honda,
Kitemobile, Keep Plano Beautiful, Almost Home Dogz, Golden Retriever Rescue,
Great Dane Rescue, Greyhound Protection League, Heart of Texas Therapy Dogs,
Legacy Boxer Rescue, SPCA of Texas and Texas Lab Rescue.
Persons with questions about the event may contact Ms. Tucker at
972-941-5283.
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