Local students are no doubt gearing up for Walk to School Day, set this year for Oct. 5. This year marks the eighth year for the program, which started with a grant obtained by the City of Bartlesville.
“The City has partnered with Bartlesville Public School District to implement the Walk to School program, which has been very successful in encouraging students to walk or bike to school on a more regular basis,” said Grants Administrator Nancy Warring.
“It really is a fun event and the kids seem to enjoy it,” she said.
The City pursued grant funding for the program in an effort to encourage a more healthy lifestyle.
“Studies have shown that a lack of physical activity plays a big role in rising rates of obesity, diabetes and other health problems among children, and being able to walk or bicycle to school offers an opportunity to build activity into daily routine,” Warring said.
According to a proclamation to be considered by the City Council on Monday, an important role for parents and caregivers is to teach children about pedestrian safety and become aware of the difficulties that children face on their trip to school each day and the health and environmental risks related to physical inactivity and air pollution.
The council will be asked to issue an official proclamation marking Oct. 5 as Walk to School Day. Walk to School Day is a nationwide program.