Kids Head Out For International Walk To School Day

It's International Walk to School Day, which means hundreds of students throughout the D.C. area put on their walking shoes this morning. At Piney Branch Elementary School in Takoma Park, celebrating the walk to school isn't a one-day thing for one family.

"It's great to get them out and about in the fresh air, get them to run around and get a bit of energy burnt off and have fun," says Zooey, who walks her two children to school every day. 

Hundreds of elementary school students walked to schools in Takoma Park this morning. The city's "Safe Routes To School Program" was given special recognition this year by the National Center for Safe Routes to School for implementing safe routes to five of the area's schools.

"Takoma Park really cares about its students' safety," says Lucy Neher, who administers the program for the city. "So we started Safe Routes to School to encourage kids to walk and bike to school, but of course we want them to do it safely so we have a lot of measures in place to help them do that." 

The city hosts bike rodeos, crosswalk safety programs and encourages students to get involved to help keep others safe. Some student crossing guards offered some tips to their classmates this morning, including wear a helmet, walk bikes across the street, look both ways before crossing and check bike brakes before riding.

International Walk to School Day is all about getting out and exercising, which means there will be plenty of kids on the road today. Authorities are warning drivers to take it slow today and keep their eyes out for children along the roadways.