Safety is THE most important theme underlying the weekend. The path each day can be along busy city streets, a rec trail along a major highway or a trail through a wooded area or park. The safety team consists of members on bikes and motorcycles who ride with us in places without van access, ride alongside us to monitor the physical condition of the Walkers, provide additional safety at major intersections and, most importantly, share their energy and enthusiasm with us. There are costumes for the team member himself or herself plus festive decorations for their bikes/motorcycles and loud, upbeat music to keep your feet moving along:
Of course any discussion about safety, as it relates to the San Francisco Bay Area 3-Day Walk, must include our very favorite walking companions, the San Jose Bike Cops! They ride with us all day long, providing that additional note of authority that some drivers need to "remind" them to yield plus they keep a close eye on Walkers and help those in need. They, too, don pink shirts and tutus and all sorts of unique pinkness. These men and women volunteer their time to be a part of the Walk, both in SF Bay and in San Diego as well as for the Avon Walk in San Jose. Representing the department on this bike team is considered a great honor and there is a long waiting list of names of men and women who want to take part. We love our San Jose Bike Cops! They provide companionship, help, some awesome music to keep us moving... and they're not bad on the eyes either...
The SF Bay Walkers also have fans on several fire departments and the Coast Guard, among other public health and safety organizations, many of whom take time out of their day to show their support.
