2015 Walk-to-School Events:
- Rock Creek Elementary (Auburn): Tuesday, October 6th, 8:30 a.m. (meet at Sutter Auburn Faith by Auburn Greens)
- H. Clarke Powers Elementary (Loomis): Wednesday, October 7th, 7:35 a.m. (Sunrise Loomis Park @ Arcadia)
- Skyridge Elementary (Auburn): Thursday, October 8th, 7:30 a.m. (meet at Maidu Office Complex at Maidu and Shirland Track)
- Newcastle Elementary (Newcastle): Friday, October 9th, 7:30 a.m. (Main St. parking lot in downtown Newcastle)
Walk to School Week in Placer County is part of the Way to Go program – a road-sense project that fosters safer, healthier travel alternatives for elementary and middle school students. This program is coordinated with Walk to School Day in October, with a specific week devoted to Walk to School events. The City of Auburn, Safe Kids Placer County, and PCTPA work cooperatively to promote the program at several schools throughout Placer County.
A primary focus of the Way to Go program is scheduled walk to school events at several area schools. Children meet at a designated location in close proximity to the school, yet away from the highly congested area around the school, and walk to school escorted by staff as well as volunteer parents and personnel from local police and fire departments.
These events raise awareness about the positive ways walking to school helps children and communities. In addition, it promotes the importance of teaching children safe walking behaviors. Walk to School Week raises awareness about the need to:
- Reinforce children’s walking safety skills
- Remind adults to drive safely in school zones
- Create and maintain safe places for children to walk within their neighborhood, such as on trips to and from school
- Identify specific steps people can take to make their community more pedestrian friendly
- Promote regular physical activity for strong and healthy children
- Encourage families to connect with their communities by walking
- Consider all of the alternatives transportation options for getting children to school
Understanding that walking may not be a feasible alternative for all parents and children, the Way to Go program was developed to try and reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in and around area schools by promoting various alternative transportation options to get to and from school. These alternatives include walking, biking, carpooling and taking the bus to school.
…TRY WALKING OR BIKING
There are plenty of great reasons to lace up those sneakers and walk or bike to school – walking and bicycling enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
When families decide that walking or biking to school is a better choice than riding in a car, they help reduce the amount of air pollutants in our communities and promote a healthier lifestyle for all.
GETTING STARTED WALKING OR BIKING
- Launch a “Walking School Bus”. Walking School Buses are groups of children who walk designated routes to school under adult supervision, picking up kids along the way, just like a bus.
- Encourage kids to wear bright colors during the day and reflector tape on their backpacks or jackets.
- Park and walk to school. Designate areas 1/4 to 1/2 mile from school where parents can drop off children and where they can safely walk the remaining distance to school.
…TRY THE BUS
School bus information including costs and routes can be found on your schools district’s website.
…TRY A CARPOOL
Carpooling is a great way to reduce traffic congestion. What are the benefits of carpooling?
- Safety – Reduces traffic congestion before and after school.
- Time – Reduces the number of times you have to drive your students to and from school.
- Environment – Helps improve air quality so we can all breathe easier.
- Economic – Saves money on gas as well as wear and tear on your car.
For suggested tips on how to establish a carpool with kids, download 11 Ideas for SchoolPoolers.