Intercity Transit promotes Walk N Roll program in Tumwater

The Tumwater City Council declared October as "Walk to School Month" at a meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

The move comes on the heels of similar proclamations being issued by the Olympia City Council and Olympia School District.

Intercity Transit Walk N Roll Program Supervisor Kerry Wilson attended the meeting and talked to the city council about an education program the agency is running.

The program seeks to increase independence, improve safety and promote a healthy lifestyle for school children by making walking, biking, rolling and public transit more accessible. 

The program offers a range of activities designed to engage youths of various ages. Wilson mentioned organizing mobile traffic gardens, which are miniature streetscapes where children could safely practice cycling and pedestrian safety skills away from cars. Wilson said the traffic gardens have been used in Tumwater schools and summer camps. 

She also talked about rolling classroom field trips, where students learn about public transit. 

Wilson said the agency plans to hold a biking program for teenagers to teach them bicycle safety and maintenance through hands-on activities and group rides around neighborhoods. The agency intends to reward participants who complete the program with helmet locks and bicycle lights. 

To register or learn more about similar activities, check out Intercity Transit’s website.  

Wilson was also at the meeting to receive the city’s proclamation for Walk to School Month. 

The proclamation encourages Tumwater residents to promote safe walking and cycling habits for children. The proclamation also urges residents to support active transportation improvements, as well as help make roads safer by driving safely and following speed limits.