Submitted by Intercity Transit
With school back in session, children are walking, biking and rolling to school. Walking and biking as sustainable modes of transportation are becoming more common in Thurston County. Active transportation fosters good health, relieves traffic congestion, and helps protect the environment; all part of supporting a thriving community.
October is Walk to School Month. Drivers can follow these safety tips to help ensure everyone arrives to school safely:
- Be prepared for congestion when traveling through school zones and, if possible, adjust your route to avoid them.
- Slow down! The speed limit in school zones is 20 miles per hour.
- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
- Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
- Stop for school buses that are loading and unloading students.
- Be extra cautious around children; they are still learning how to be safe pedestrians and bicyclists.
Intercity Transit’s Walk N Roll Program and school districts throughout Thurston County sponsor Safe Routes to School activities in schools. These programs emphasize education, equity, encouragement, engineering, engagement, and evaluation to improve students’ health and traffic safety around schools.
More information about walking and biking can be found at the Intercity Transit website under the Walk N Roll Program or on the Facebook page.
