South OC Times

The Orange County Sheriff's Department is urging families and students to participate in "Walk and Roll to School Day" on Wednesday, October 9. This annual event emphasizes the benefits of exercise while promoting pedestrian and road safety.

Sergeant Kyle Ishii from the Orange County Sheriff's Department stated, “National Walk and Roll to School Day offers an amazing opportunity for families to build stronger community bonds.” He added that the event not only focuses on pedestrian safety but also advocates for safer routes for walking and biking to school. Additionally, it highlights the importance of increasing physical activity among children and prioritizing their safety.

Drivers are advised to exercise extra caution on October 9 due to increased foot and bike traffic. The department advises drivers to be prepared to stop for school buses and children crossing streets, always watch their speed, and slow down in school zones.

For students walking, biking, or rolling to school, the department suggests planning routes with sidewalks or paths away from traffic. In areas without sidewalks, students should walk facing traffic as far left as possible or ride bikes in the same direction as traffic on the right-hand side. They should use crosswalks at stop signs or signals when available, look left-right-left before crossing streets, watch for cars entering or leaving driveways or parking spaces, wear helmets when riding or rolling, be visible by wearing bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night, and stay alert by avoiding distractions from electronic devices.

Schools are encouraged to register at walkbiketoschool.org to track participation and support active transportation initiatives.

This program is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.