Pima County will celebrate International Walk & Bike to School Day on Friday, Oct. 21, and is seeking public, private, and charter schools to join the active transportation fun.
On Walk & Bike to School Day, Pima County students, often with their parents tagging along, will discover healthy, car-free ways to get to school. The Pima County Department of Transportation (PCDOT)
Bicycle and Pedestrian Program and the Department of Environmental Quality
Clean Air Program (PDEQ CAP) sponsor the annual event to encourage active ways for children to get to school and to improve air quality and safety around schools and neighborhoods.
Schools from all school districts throughout Pima County, as well as private and charter schools are encouraged to register this year. “It is always exciting to see schools engaging in this event that is so beneficial for our community in multiple ways,” said Matt Zoll, Program Manager for PCDOT. Pima County will provide prizes and incentives to the schools including kick scooters (while supplies last), pencils and color posters to promote the event. The school registration deadline to receive a free scooter for a student and family participation encouragement prize is October 3rd.
Participating schools can receive special bicycle and/or pedestrian safety training from the PCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. PDEQ CAP is also assisting with this popular event by being available to provide educational and engaging school presentations about air quality, the environment, and the benefits to reducing motor vehicle trips for the health of our community.
There are many benefits to 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 reduces traffic congestion around schools and provides family members and neighbors with an opportunity to connect and socialize and teach traffic safety tips to children.
For more information and to register for the local celebration of Walk & Bike to School Day, contact the PCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program at (520) 724-BIKE.
For information on the international event and creative ideas for planning your school’s event, visit
www.walkbiketoschool.org.
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