Walking and Writing and ‘Rithmetic? Walk and Bike to School Day is Wednesday, October 6!

  
Did you know that fewer than 15 percent of all school trips are made by walking or bicycling?  For various reasons, more families are choosing to drive to school, with adverse effects on traffic congestion and air quality around schools, as well as pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Hopefully you’ll notice the difference tomorrow -- October 6 is International Walk and Bike to School Day -- as more kids use foot and pedal power to get to school!

Part of a month-long celebration, “International Walk or Bike to School Day” encourages students from all over the globe to walk and bike to school while educating them on the health and environmental benefits of walking and biking.   It also raises community awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety education, safe routes to schools, well-maintained walkways, and traffic calming in neighborhoods and around schools.   

Each October, Arlington Public Schools (APS) and the County's WalkArlington program join forces to take part in this international event.  APS and WalkArlington will celebrate Walk and Bike to School Day  Wednesday, October 6 to kick off the month-long celebration.  Throughout the entire month of October, many APS staff and PTAs will incorporate activities focusing on biking and walking into the curriculum.

Taylor Elementary School will be highlighted by APS this year in recognition of the school's demonstrated commitment to walking as part of a healthy lifestyle.  County and APS officials will join Taylor students and family members as they walk and bike their way to school together.  Educational activities and refreshments will be provided for participants at PTA-run rest stops en route and at Taylor when students arrive following their morning "commute."  A Walk and Bike to School Day celebration is planned at school before students head to class.

You can learn more about what others around the world are doing for “International Walk or Bike to School Month” at  www.walktoschool.org.   And if you have kids, there’s still plenty of time during the month to give this kid-friendly commuting option a try!

Lauren Hassel
WalkArlington

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