Published September 29 2015
Students, parents and teachers at several elementary schools in Bellevue will come together on Oct. 7 for the annual Walk to School Day. The event promotes safe walking, healthier students and more connected neighborhoods.
Participating schools this year include Ardmore, Clyde Hill, Medina, Newport Heights, Phantom Lake, Somerset, Spiritridge and Woodridge elementaries.
Transportation staff and Police are working with the school district and Parent, Teacher Student Association volunteers to coordinate Walk to School Day. Interest in the event has grown over time; last year, hundreds of students took part in activities such as volunteer-led "walking school buses" and park-and-walks from a common meeting area.
An important purpose of Walk to School day is to help students and parents think of walking as an active, safe and healthy means of transportation. Other benefits include decreased congestion around schools and lower rates of tardiness.
In addition to the Oct. 7 event, Clyde Hill Elementary School will kick off its Walking Wednesday series on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Bellevue firefighters, Clyde Hill Police officers and Seahawks mascot Blitz will be on-hand to mark the occasion. Parent volunteers say Walking Wednesday has meant fewer vehicles dropping off and picking up children, resulting in quieter, safer streets.
For more information about Walk to School Day in Bellevue, contact Transportation Associate Planner John Murphy (425-452-6967, jmurphy@bellevuewa.gov).
Walk to School Day is part of a national event that began in 1997.