For Immediate Release: October 9, 2018
Olympia, WA – With school starting, more children are walking and biking to school. October is Walk to School Month so drivers should use extra caution, especially when near children and schools. Please remain alert and consider adjusting your travel routine to accommodate the increase in student walking and biking activity in October and year round.
Walking and biking as a sustainable mode of transportation is becoming more common in Thurston County. Active transportation fosters good health, relieves traffic congestion and helps protect the environment; all part of supporting a thriving community.
This October, remember to follow these safety tips to help ensure everyone arrives to school safely:
- Observe speed limits, especially in school zones.
- Always yield to pedestrians and people on bicycles at crossings.
- Remind students about traffic safety and model safety behavior.
- Be seen. Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing or use a flashlight.
- Keep your head up and your phone down. Stay alert!
- Join other students traveling in the same direction.
- Ride your bike in the same direction as traffic.
- Always wear a helmet when biking.
Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll Program and school districts across Thurston County sponsor Safe Routes to School activities in elementary and middle schools. These programs emphasize education, equity, encouragement, engineering, enforcement, and evaluation to improve the health of students and improve traffic safety around schools.
More information about walking and biking can be found at intercitytransit.com under the Walk N Roll Program or at www.facebook.com/WalkNRollIT.
Media Contact:
Ally McPherson, Marketing & Communications Representative
amcpherson@intercitytransit.com
360-705-5836