International Walk to School Day is an annual observance to create awareness for walkable communities. The absence of safe, walkable communities is a leading cause of physical inactivity.
The Madera County Department of Public Health and community partners are working to improve walkability in the City of Madera.
Approximately 400 students, parents, and school staff from Sierra Vista, Virginia Lee Rose, and Washington Elementary Schools will be walking along with the Madera County Department of Public Health’s CalFresh Healthy Living Program, UC CalFresh Healthy Living, the City of Madera Police Department, and the City of Madera Parks and Community Services, and community leaders.
Sierra Vista Elementary and Virginia Lee Rose Elementary Schools will celebrate International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, starting at McNally Memorial Park, 825 South A Street.
George Washington Elementary School will celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 24, starting at the John W. Wells. Youth Center, 701 East 5th Street.
These events build connections between families, schools and the broader community with the goal of improving the health of the residents and encouraging an active lifestyle from an early age. The events begin at 6:30 a.m. with fun exercise activities. Walkers and bicyclists will arrive at each school site at 7:30 a.m.
For more information, visit www.walkbiketoschool.org, www.saferoutesinfo.org, or www.iwalktoschool.org.