Students Encouraged to Walk, Bike to School on Oct. 8 for National Walk and Roll to School Day

Pasadena families and students are being urged to participate in National Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8, an annual event that promotes physical activity and safe routes for children traveling to campus, according to a Pasadena Police Department press release.

The event highlights the need for accessible walking and biking paths while bringing attention to pedestrian safety in Pasadena, according to the department’s announcement Monday.

“National Walk and Roll to School Day is a great opportunity to highlight pedestrian safety and advocate for safer routes for walking and biking to school,” Pasadena Police Lieutenant Anthony Russo said in the statement. “This day underscores the importance of boosting physical activity and prioritizes the safety of the families in our community.”

The police department warned that while extra caution is needed on the morning of Oct. 8 due to increased foot and bike traffic, drivers should remain alert every day. Motorists should be prepared to stop for school buses and children crossing streets and slow down in school zones, according to the release.

The department offered safety tips for students who walk, bike or roll to school. Students should plan routes on roads with sidewalks or paths away from traffic. If there are no sidewalks, students should walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible or ride bikes in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as possible, according to the release.

Students should use crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals, and if there are unmarked crosswalks, cross at corners on streets. They should always look left-right-left before crossing and make eye contact with drivers, according to the safety guidelines.

Students should watch for cars entering or leaving driveways or parking spaces and never assume a driver sees them, the release stated. They should always wear helmets when riding or rolling, wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use flashlights when dark, and avoid distractions from electronic devices, according to the department.

Schools are encouraged to register at walkbiketoschool.org to track participation and show support for active, healthy and safe transportation, the release stated.

The program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, according to the department.