Walk, Bike to School This Month

Communities across the country, and some here in Southern California, sent their kids to school on foot, or on bikes, today in celebration of International Walk to School Day.

Since 1997, communities nationwide have been celebrating Walk to School Day, according to the organization's website, and the event has even taken off in 40 countries.

The event is meant to raise global awareness surrounding the enhancement of children's health, the improvement of air quality and the environment and the creation of safer bicycling and walking routes.

As of Wednesday morning, 472 Walk to School Day events had been organized in California, according to the Walk to School website, including one at Pennekamp Elementary School in Manhattan Beach and three at Alta Vista, Jefferson, and Lincoln elementary schools in Redondo Beach.

urged students to "take a break from driving and get some exercise" on the day devoted to biking and walking to school.

International Walk to School Month will be recognized around the world during the month of October.