Monday, November 5, 2012

Walk to School Day a Big Success This Year

Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation Director Art Holmes recently joined parents, teachers, and children around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day at the Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School in Silver Spring. He was joined by Councilmembers Valerie Ervin and Craig Rice, and other dignitaries  The annual event promotes safer streets, healthier lifestyles, and cleaner air. More than 40 schools across the County celebrated the day with various activities.

Supporters of the event included AAA Mid-Atlantic, Federal Express, Clif Kid, the Maryland Highway Safety Office, and various County agencies.

Montgomery County is upgrading safety at schools, thanks in part to the federal Safe Routes to School program created in 2005.  The program provides funding that communities can use to retrofit roads and create sidewalks and bike paths that allow children to safely walk or bike to school.  Funding also supports enforcement and education campaigns.  For more pedestrian safety information, visit the County’s website.