Published October 3 2014
With Seahawks mascot "Blitz" and Bellevue’'s own traffic safety mascot, "Pedbee," cheering them on, students at Bellevue schools will celebrate International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 8.
Eight elementary schools will promote safe walking, healthier students, safer streets and more connected neighborhoods with safe routes to schools: Ardmore, Cherry Crest, Enatai, Newport Heights, Phantom Lake, Sherwood Forest, Somerset and Spiritridge. These schools will help bring parents, teachers and children together to focus on the importance of physical activity, safety and walkable communities. They will also help kids and parents think of walking as an active, safe and healthy means of transportation.
Schools in the city are increasingly recognizing why walking to school is be an important part of children's days and the wider community. "Walk to School Day is an excellent opportunity to build community and start the day with exercise and smiles," says Ardmore Principal Chas Miller. "It is a small, yet powerful, activity that reinforces how the school supports daily exercise and values coming together as a community to stay healthy."
To boost participation and create a buzz, the mascots will join the celebration at Ardmore. Cherry Crest Elementary will also play host to Pedbee. Children at all participating schools will receive a pedestrian safety workbook. and some schools will offer raffle prizes to encourage more children to walk.
Walk to School events couldn’t happen without the efforts of the school’s PTSA volunteers, who helped organize the event with the support of Bellevue’s Transportation staff.
For additional local information, please contact John Murphy (425-452-6967, jmurphy@bellevuewa.gov). The National Center for Safe Routes to School has more information about the event.