Last year, he walked across England. Next year it’ll be Wales. Dave Ramsay, city manager of Kirkland, Washington, is a self-professed “walking nut” who loves long-distance treks, including marathons.

“I find it great on a personal health level, but it’s also a great way to get around the community,” he says. For Ramsay, walking and biking are not just hobbies because there are five great public policy objectives that they can help accomplish. First, and perhaps most obviously, it’s great exercise, which improves public health. The second benefit is enhanced public safety. Walkable and bike-friendly communities help you get more “eyes on the street.”

Mayor Claude Ramsey’s leadership has catalyzed a movement for healthy eating and active living in Hamilton County. During his 30 years of public service, he has launched a variety of innovative policies and programs to improve the health and well-being of his constituents.

Currently serving his fourth term as mayor, Ramsey is always looking for ways to promote healthy lifestyles. With the stimulus funds that recently became available to state and local communities, Ramsey’s administration is dedicating more than $2 million for greenways, sidewalk improvements, bicycle facilities, streetscaping projects, trails, bikeways and public transportation enhancements.

Councilmember Steve Veres, who was re-elected to the San Fernando City Council for a four-year term in March 2007, moved to the city from Westwood after studying at UCLA. As someone who enjoys swimming, taking his dog on walks to the park and riding his bike to work, Veres noticed the disparities between the two communities immediately. “In San Fernando, there were few outlets for recreation and fitness, said Veres. “No gyms, few parks, limited access to healthy foods, and poor selections of fresh fruits and veggies at the local markets.”

Veres felt particularly compelled to act when he noticed the increasing number of obese children and teens in San Fernando and realized how limited access to physical activity and nutritious foods was impacting their long-term health.