Times Do Change
As a parent have you ever heard your grandmother or grandfather say to you, “Why when I was a kid, I walked to school every day, all year, in the rain, blizzards, and hot sun and it did not kill me?”
Walking or biking to school is excellent exercise and good for the kids to do at least once in a while.
This October 4th is not a new idea. This idea formed over 20 years ago with the sole purpose of celebrating health and the benefits of walking or biking to and from school for individual students. Instead of using a vehicle to and from school, students are given a chance to participate in active transportation to and from school on this day anually.
At any rate, October 4, 2017, is now set aside internationally, yes internationally, as a day where children are encouraged to walk or bike to school. This event is recognized globally by over 40 countries including the United States and Canada. Check with your school to see what events and surprises your school planned for October 4th.
So parents, if you do not trust the world we live in, and with good reason, maybe you can fulfill this day by walking or biking along with your child to school. If your school has individual plans, you will not want to miss the excitement with your family in attendance.
After all, this event is set in place for some reasons, such as,
- Good exercise
- Parents get outside with their children and teach children about pedestrian and bicycle safety
- Reduces the amount of cars on the road and at schools
- Helps to bond families, children, the community, and the school together
- Preserves the environment
- Enhances healthy lifestyles
It is a proven fact that children who walk or ride a bike to school and are physically active before the bell rings for classes are better prepared for class, they perform better in class, behaviors improve, and attention is improved.
Jump On Board and Enjoy This Special Day
Some schools plan to have students register for this event and inform parents, students, and the community through banners, flyers, information sent home, and in local newspapers.
There are many different things various schools do such as planning photo shoots with students, parents, and school staff.
Some dedicate the whole day to fitness and wellness. Schools may host bar-b-ques, picnics, or potlucks promoting nutritious food choices.
Some schools designate the whole month of October with weekly activities set aside
Thousands of school districts report that every year, there is an ever-growing interest and participation on October 4th by parents and children from a 20-year-old idea, made possible by school principals, physical education instructors, and teachers gladly promoting this event every year.
How do Communities Participate?
- Children travel to and from school in groups or with parents
- Choosing safe routes to and from school
- Walking or biking on designated crosswalks
- Utilizing crossing guards
- Walking or biking on streets where speeds set lower
- Walking or biking on sidewalks where there is less busy traffic
- Instituting frequent information to the community so people who are diving can be made aware of the importance of October 4th and be ever-mindful of more children walking or riding bikes on that day
Set October 4th aside on your calendar to get outside with your child and get some fantastic exercise in the crisp and lovely fall colors. October 4th is the day you leave your car at home and walk or bike to school with a family.