Walk to School Day promotes health, safe walking, and biking

D51 students will walk, roll or bike to school on Oct. 2

Mesa County residents should be extra cautious during their commutes Wednesday, Oct. 2 because thousands of students will be walking, rolling or biking their way to school for National Walk to School Day.

Walk to School Day promotes an active lifestyle and finding safe routes to school. Children who walk or bike to school will see improvements in more than just their health.

Walking, rolling and bicycling to school helps students:

• Reach the recommended goal of 60 minutes of physical activity every day.
• Arrive at school energized and ready to learn.
• Gain a sense of independence.
• Learn and practice safe pedestrian behavior.
• Leave the car behind and improve air quality.
• Take an active role in their well-being.

Walk to School Day events build connections between families, schools and the community. Take the time to walk to school with your child and talk about the benefits of using different modes of
transportation.

Taylor, Pomona, Rocky Mountain, Lincoln Orchard Mesa, Mesa View, Chipeta, Shelledy, Rimrock, and Chatfield elementary school will all participate in National Walk to School Day. Encourage
your children to walk, as well. Map your route to school with interactive maps, available on the Mesa County Safe Routes to School page.

Mesa County Health Department staff and Urban Trails Committee members will also meet up with many of the participating schools to walk and help ensure students are safe while crossing
streets and traveling to school.