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Students, parents encouraged to hit the sidewalks Wednesday

Many schools throughout Idaho will tell their students to take a hike next week, advocating walking or bicycling to school rather than riding in passenger vehicles or school buses. Like their counterparts throughout the world, a number of Idaho schools will participate in the annual International Walk to School day Wednesday (Oct. 5). The emphasis on walking produces many benefits, including increased activity, social interaction with other students and adult chaperones, reduced traffic around schools and improved air quality.

It takes children out of seats and onto their feet.

The concept dedicating a day to pedestrian commutes to school began in 1997 when the Partnership for a Walkable America sponsored the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago. It was modeled after a similar event in the Great Britain.

“Back then, it was simply a day to bring community leaders and children together to create awareness of the need for communities to be walkable,” according to International Walk to School. (http://www.walktoschool.org/abojt/index.cfm)

Within five years, children, parents, teachers and community leaders in all 50 states joined nearly 3 million walkers around the world to celebrate the second annual International Walk to School Day.

“Whether your concern is safer and improved streets, healthier habits or cleaner air, Walk to School Day events are aimed at bringing forth permanent change to encourage a more walkable America – one community at a time.”

More than two-dozen Idaho schools in communities from Sandpoint to Idaho Falls are registered as part of the international effort this year, with even more, impromptu activities planned throughout the state.

ITD and Idaho’s Safe Routes to School program encourage parents and children to leave vehicles at home Wednesday and walk to school if conditions allow them to do so safely.

See Walk to School benefits
See Walkable Idaho