To encourage more of Spokane’s children to walk and bike to school, Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) launched a Safe Routes to School Spokane program (Safe Routes) this week.
Slated to roll out to seven area public grade schools during the next three years, the program is being introduced this spring first at Holmes and Seth Woodard elementaries.
The program includes:
- Walking School Buses: a group of children walking to school with two or more trained adults to help keep kids safe.
- Stop and Walk Links: Parents who do not live on a Walking School Bus route can drop students off at a designated location to join friends in chaperoned walks to school.
- Resource Boards: These interactive displays located by school offices offer calendars, resources and helpful tips to stay safe while getting active.
- Safe Routes Challenge Programs: Fun prizes like bikes, helmets, backpacks and tennis shoes will reward children’s walking, biking and distance-traveled.
- SafeRoutesSpokane.org: Coming soon, a web site for students, parents, neighbors, staff and volunteers offering safe driving pledges, featured stories, videos, WSB info and much more.
- Parent Portal: A secure page on the Safe Routes web site with details about walking school bus routes and pick-up times.
- Walk and Bike to School Day: Spring and fall celebrations encouraging walking and biking to school.
Here’s more on the Safe Routes to School program and the benefits of walking or bicycling to school.