Temecula To Participate In National Walk And Roll To School Day

TEMECULA, CA — In observance of National Pedestrian Safety Month, students and their families in Temecula will lace up their sneakers on Oct. 8 to walk or roll to school.

The annual day highlights the benefits of exercise and spotlights the need for accessible and safe biking and walking routes.

“National Walk and Roll to School Day is a great opportunity to highlight pedestrian safety and advocate for safer routes for walking and biking to school,” Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Captain Jason Sexton wrote in a release. “This day underscores the importance of boosting physical activity and prioritizes the safety of the families in our community.”

While drivers are always urged to use caution around pedestrians, extra attention will need to be paid on the morning of Oct. 8, when there will be increased foot and bike traffic all over Riverside County.

The Riverside Sheriff's Office in Palm Desert offered the following tips for students who walk, bike or roll to school.

• "Plan your route on roads with sidewalks or paths away from traffic. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible or ride your bike in the same direction as traffic as far on the right-hand side as possible.
• Use crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals. If there are unmarked crosswalks, cross at corners on streets.
• Always look left-right-left before crossing the street. Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them.
• Watch for cars entering/leaving driveways or parking spaces. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Always wear a helmet when riding or rolling.
• Be visible. Wear bright clothing during the day, and wear reflective materials or use a flashlight when it’s dark.
• Stay alert. Don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road."

So far, the following schools have registered to participate in Temecula:

• Crowne Hill Elementary School
• Temecula Luiseno Elementary School
• Vail Ranch Middle School

Participating schools are urged to register at this link.

Funding for this program comes from a grant provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.