Pima County is celebrating International Walk & Bike to School Day on Friday, Oct. 27. Thousands of children will be walking and biking to approximately 50 schools throughout Pima County registered for this event. Be aware that more students and families will be out in numbers discovering healthy, car-free ways to get to school. Safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and all who share our sidewalks and streets is paramount for this day and every day.
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.
“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 provides prizes and incentives to the schools including kick scooters, pencils and color posters to promote the event.
Many participating schools also received special bicycle and/or pedestrian safety training from the PCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Program. PDEQ CAP assists 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 and engine idling 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 on Pima County’s celebration of International 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.