Drivers, Beware! More Children Expected on City Sidewalks, Streets Wednesday Morning for ‘Walk & Roll to School Day’

Pasadena will celebrate the 26th annual National “Walk & Roll to School Day” on Wednesday, prompting police to alert drivers to be extra vigilant during their morning and afternoon commutes.

“Walk & Roll to School Day” highlights the benefits of exercise and the importance of safe, active travel for children. Normally observed the first Wednesday of October this year it was preempyed by Yom Kippur and pushed back to the 12th.

“It’s a day that reminds everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular physical activity, the need for safe places to walk and bike, and how these activities can help the environment,” Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Brian McDonald said as he encouraged all schools to participate in the “Walk & Roll to School Day.” 

PUSD has been celebrating the event since 2005. 

“Walk to School Day began as a simple idea – children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day,” said PUSD spokesperson Hilda Ramirez Horvath.

According to Horvath, Health Programs and the City of Pasadena will walk and ride with Marshall Fundamental School staff and students on Wednesday. 

“We hope you will be able to find time to enjoy a walk outside and celebrate with us. We encourage all of our schools to participate in Walk and Bike to School Day,” she said. 

Pasadena Police Department Lieutenant Anthony Russo cautioned drivers to be extra careful on Wednesday and anticipate more foot and bike traffic during the morning. 

They should also be prepared to stop for more children crossing the street. 

Meanwhile, students who will walk or bike to school this Wednesday should plan their route on roads with sidewalks or paths away from traffic, advised Russo. 

If there are no sidewalks, Russo said they should walk or ride as far from cars as possible, facing traffic. They should also look left-right-left before crossing the street.

Those who will ride or roll this Wednesday are advised to always wear a helmet. 

“Be aware of your surroundings. Keep earbud or headphone volume low enough  so you can still hear around you,” Russo said. 

Schools participating in the upcoming “Walk & Roll to School Day” are encouraged to register at walkbiketoschool.org. The program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic  Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.