(Radio Iowa) Iowa motorists need to be especially vigilant today (Wednesday) as there are likely to be many more pedestrians and bicyclists on the roads as part of Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day. Matt Burkey, the Safe Routes to Schools coordinator at the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, says hundreds of children in more than four-dozen schools statewide are taking part. “Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day is a national event, that happens twice a year in May and October, and on that day, schools across the country and across Iowa are promoting active transportation to school,” Burkey says. “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you about the school car drop off line and how bananas it is in the morning, trying to drive around school zones, but when a lot of us were younger, we walked to school.”

He says the event shows Iowa students how to start their day with an active, healthier choice versus catching a ride to school on a bus or with one of their folks. “Kids aren’t burning off energy sitting in the back of the car. They’re not really talking to their parents, because the parents are focused on driving,” Burkey says. “Even if you get out of the car just a quarter mile from school and walk there together, you’re getting some steps in, you’re getting exercise, breathing that fresh air, and it’s one less car around the school, making it safer for everyone, just because there’s less cars, less noise pollution, less air pollution.” A total of 49 Iowa schools are taking part in this event, which represents an excellent showing, though Burkey says many more schools could join in.

“Right now ranked per capita, Iowa is 10th overall out of all 50 states and D.C. for participation, which is great, showing that here in the Midwest, we care about active transportation,” Burkey says. “We care about our kids getting to school safely, whether they’re walking, biking or rolling.” While today is the official date for the event, Burkey says schools can participate at any time throughout the month of October.

walkbiketoschool.org