Tips For Observing Fremont's Walk To School Day On Wednesday

FREMONT, CA -- On Wednesday, Oct. 2 students from across the city will take part in International Walk & Roll to School Day, a global event that involves communities from more than 40 countries walking and biking to school on the same day.

This year's event will also support the Alameda County Transportation Commission (ACTC) ACT Safely – Rail Safety Education Program and the Safe Routes to School Program for 2019-2020. For the event, hundreds of students across Alameda County will walk, scoot, and bike to school. From pre-k to high school, the event builds yearlong excitement around getting to school via alternative means of transportation.

Walk to School Day began in 1997 as a one-day event, and over time, it has become part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and a celebration each October. Today, thousands of schools across America – from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico – participate every annually.

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you continue to walk and roll to school this fall and beyond:

• Wear light and bright colors and reflective or blinking lights if possible. They are easier to see and make you more visible to other people using the road.
• When driving, remember that kids move in unpredictable ways, so keep both hands on the wheel and drive slowly in school zones.
• If it's cold, make sure your child has waterproof rain gear.
• Dress in layers – you warm up quickly when walking and riding.
• If rain is possible, carry an umbrella and wear rain boots.
• Wear full-fingered gloves.
• Wear a wind-proof jacket.
• When riding a bike with your child, make sure to ride slower. If it's rainy, roads may be slick, and you may need to brake sooner.