Olympia joins Intercity Transit, proclaims Walk to School Month

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The Olympia City Council signed a proclamation yesterday designating October 2022 as Walk to School Month.

The proclamation's goal is to encourage families, school employees, and community leaders to show children that walking is a fun, safe, and healthy way to get to destinations in their neighborhoods.

"Walking to school can build activity into a child's daily routine, improving health and school performance," stated the proclamation signed by Mayor Cheryl Selby on Tuesday.

Instead of driving children to school in private vehicles, walking can help the city reach greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, it added.

Olympia joined the Intercity Transit in its Walk N Roll program, which educates youth to get around by walking, biking, and riding public transit.

According to Kerri Wilson, Youth Education Specialist for Intercity Transit, they are also partnering with the Olympia School District, which helps organize Walk N Roll school events, including celebrating Walk to School Month.

"These events increase safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve school air quality by encouraging families to consider walking and biking to and from school instead of driving in a car,” according to Wilson. She added, “It also allows students to learn and practice pedestrian safety skills and build some physical activity into their day."  

Olympia School District (OSD) Superintendent Patrick Murphy said elementary schools have been participating in the Walk N Roll program each year. "I've personally walked with students and staff and families. It is always fun."

For the past few years, Murphy said the OSD has partnered with the Thurston Regional Planning Council to create recommended school walking routes posted on the District's website. Copies of the maps are available at the front counters of schools.

He announced that OSD has set aside money to improve school bike and walking routes for safer student travel. Click here for walking routes. 

Wilson thanked the Olympia Police Department and the Olympia Fire Department for supporting Intercity Transit’s campaign and walk events.

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  • Honestyandrealityguy

    Except for the crimes against our children that go unpunished due to some of our "community leaders ", good idea. Hope the children are not hurt, OR WORSE!

    Wednesday, September 28, 2022 Report this