The celebration of International Walk and Bike to School Day and Walktober Month wrap up in Pima County on Friday, October 30, from 7 to 9 a.m. with Walk and Bike to School Day.
Pima County students, often with their parents tagging along, will discover car-free ways to get to school. The Pima County Department of Transportation Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and the Department of Environmental Quality sponsor the annual event, which is held to encourage active ways for children to get to school and to improve air quality around schools and neighborhoods by reducing vehicle emissions.
Approximately 40 schools from the Tucson Unified, Tanque Verde, Sunnyside, Marana, Flowing Wells, Amphi and Vail school districts, as well as two charter schools, are participating in the program. Several other schools already took part or will be participating in early November. Pima County provides prizes and incentives to the schools including kick scooters, reflect safety stickers, and color posters to promote the event.
Most of the schools participating receive special bicycle and/or pedestrian safety training from the Pima County Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. PDEQ is also assisting with this popular event by providing prize incentives for families.
There are many benefits to skipping the motor vehicle trip and using active modes of transportation, such as walking, bicycling, or riding a scooter or skateboard. Consistent physical activity can reduce obesity, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Walking and biking also reduce traffic congestion and provide family members and neighbors with an opportunity to connect and socialize
For information on Walk and Bike to School Day, contact the Pima County Department Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program at (520) 724-BIKE.