Create good lifelong habits — walk to school!

We are all pedestrians at some point in our day. Walking is active transportation that can help kids establish a lifelong habit of physical activity. And teaching kids safe walking habits now will serve them well into the future.

Beyond individual safety, communities with more people walking and bicycling tend to have lower crash rates for all types of travel. One reason may be that motorists drive more cautiously when they expect to encounter walkers and bicyclists. More walkers and bicyclists can also improve personal security by providing more “eyes on the street.”

National Walk to School Day is coming up on Wednesday, Oct. 2. Use these safe walking tips to set your kids on a path to pedestrian success:

• Plan your route in advance. Choose routes with good accessibility, walkability, and lighting.
• Use the sidewalk whenever possible, and if there isn’t a sidewalk, walk on the edge of the street facing traffic.
• Whenever they are available, use marked crosswalks to cross the street, and look left-right-left for vehicles or bikes before crossing.
• Make sure you never play, push or shove others when you walk around traffic.
• Everyone should watch the road, not their phones.

Find resources to help organize a Walk to School event at walktoschoolkc.com.