Pottstown Students to Walk to School on Oct. 9

Communities and schools in Pennsylvania will come out on Wednesday to promote safe bike riding and walking on Walk or Roll to School Day, according to a Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) news release.

“Walking or riding to school may be a fun activity for students, but keeping them safe while they do so is very important,” said PennDOT secretary Barry J. Schoch in the release. “That’s why we partner with schools and communities all year to educate children, caregivers and the public alike about using our roadways safely.”    

On Wednesday schoolchildren will participate in group walks with community and school officials. There will also be educational events about the benefit of going to school on one’s own steam, as well as safety education.

The Pottstown events are as such, according to Montgomery County Health Department press release:

-8 a.m.: students, teachers and parents will meet at Fountain of Youth Spray Park, at 255 Manatawny St.

-at 8:05 a.m.: there will be a press conference with Lincoln Elementary School principal Calista Boyer, Captain Rob Thomas of the Pottstown police department, and Brandi Chawaga of the Montgomery County Health Department.

-8:10 a.m.: group stretching with A Fresh Start Fitness

-8:15 a.m.: the walk. The students will walk up 2nd Street to York Street, then go left on York Street and walk there to Lincoln Elementary School.

-8:40 a.m. they will arrive at Lincoln Elementary School, then go to their classrooms for attendance time.

-9 a.m.: half of the student body will go to the auditorium for the Dry Fit assembly

-10 a.m.: the other half of the student body will go to the auditorium for the Dry Fit assembly.

This event is one part of the nation’s 17th observance of the annual International Walk to School Day. October is International Walk to School Month.

PennDOT has given over $18 million in federal funds to municipalities and schools for 34 infrastructure projects close to middle and elementary schools, including sidewalk improvements and updated signs. Here is a list of participating schools for this year’s event: www.walkbiketoschool.org/go/whos-walking/2013/PA.

For videos and information about pedestrian and bicycle safety, visit the "Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety" information center at www.JustDrivePA.com or watch videos on the PennDOT YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/pennsylvaniaDOT.