Today, kids and parents woke up early at some 200 schools throughout Illinois to celebrate International Walk and Bike to School Day.
Each year, Active Trans has the pleasure of partnering with some of these schools as they work to get more kids active between home and school.
At the Academy for Global Citizenship on Chicago's Southwest Side, more than 75 children and parents walked and rolled from Archer Park to their two school sites.
Parents talked with school staff after the walk about creating safer routes for the kids to prepare for launching their new Walk to School Wednesday initiative. Parents asked about removing barriers that many schools face–including a delivery truck on the sidewalk and no crossing guard at a major intersection.
School staff led walking fieldtrips around the neighborhood during class time to identify safe routes for kids. (Big thanks to the ClifKids team who helped sponsor the event by providing snacks and swag to the children and parents at the school.)
The K-3rd graders of Pope John XXIII in Evanston received a double dose of safety at today’s Walk to School Day celebration. A staff person from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office demonstrated helmet safety and Active Trans Education Specialist, Jason Jenkins, provided a brief presentation on bike safety and the rules of the road.
Three cheers for all the students, parents, teachers and community members who enjoyed this beautiful Walk to School Day! Oh, and don’t forget to check out Sec. of Transportation Ray LaHood blog post for the day.