Mayor Gordo Issues Proclamation on Walk to School Day

Mayor Victor Gordo issued a proclamation on Thursday as parents walk their children to school in celebration of Walk to School Day, an annual event, aimed at encouraging walking as a healthier mode of commuting.

“Whereas lack of physical activity plays a leading role in rising rates of childhood obesity, diabetes and other health problems, and being able to walk to school offers an opportunity to build physical activity into a child’s daily routine … I, Victor M. Gordo, Mayor of the City of Pasadena, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim October 5, 2023 in Pasadena as Walk to School Day and encourage everyone to consider the health and safety of children in our community.”

Walk to School Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in October. The event was organized in 1987 by the Partnership for a Walkable America as a one-day event aimed at building awareness for the need for walkable communities.

Gordo’s proclamation said it was important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the difficulties and dangers that children face on their trips to school each day, and to teach children about pedestrian safety.

“… Today children, parents and community leaders around the world are joining together to walk to school, evaluate pedestrian safety and walkability in their communities, and focus on the benefits of walking rather than driving to school to create cleaner, safer and healthier school routes for children,” the proclamation reads.

“In Pasadena, the Department of Transportation, Pasadena Unified School District and several Pasadena schools are participating in Walk to School Day to promote the importance of regular physical activity, healthy eating habits and improved pedestrian safety.”