TEMECULA, CA — Elementary and middle school students throughout Riverside County Wednesday took a stroll or roll to the classroom as part of “National Walk & Roll to School Day” — part of an effort to promote youth exercise and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.
Campuses in Banning, Calimesa, Corona, Desert Hot Springs, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Menifee, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside, San Jacinto, Temecula, Thousand Palms and Winchester have registered for the event. Parents, teachers and community-based volunteers form “walking school buses” to shepherd children to their campuses, according to organizers and students were also encouraged to ride bicycles.
“National Walk & Roll to School Day offers an amazing opportunity for families to build stronger community bonds,” Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Community Services Officer Jasmine Quail said. “This event not only promotes pedestrian safety and advocates for safer routes for walking and biking to school, but underscores the importance of boosting physical activity among children and prioritizing their safety. It’s a wonderful way to come together and make a positive impact on our children’s well-being.”
Organizers said walking programs promote a reduction in childhood obesity and stress the importance of pedestrian access and safety on traffic corridors.
Students, parents, guardians and teachers were reminded to stay on marked walking paths or sidewalks, use crosswalks, remain vigilant when going through right-of-ways and wear visible clothing for the benefit of motorists.
More information is available at www.walkbiketoschool.org.
