Trailnet encouraging kids to walk to school in honor of Earth Day

Walking School Bus in Columbia, Missouri

Trailnet is working to encourage kids to walk to school for Earth Day:

Trailnet will be working with schools in the Maplewood-Richmond Heights and Webster Groves School Districts throughout the month of April to encourage kids to "go green" by walking to school.  Trailnet will host a kick-off event at each school, where parents can join their children on the walk to school.  Kids who walk will be eligible for incentives and prizes.  These events will serve as the kick-off for the spring season of weekly Walk to School days.

Trailnet will continue its work with Maplewood Richmond Heights Elementary School in the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District and Hudson and Avery Elementary Schools in the Webster Groves School District. In addition, Trailnet will be providing encouragement and technical support for beginning programs at Clark and Bristol Elementary Schools, also in the Webster Groves School District.

Walking to school is an easy way to help the environment by reducing car pollution while improving health at the same time. Studies show that 21 to 27 percent of morning traffic is caused by parents driving their children to school.

Trailnet is the local leader in promoting the nationwide Safe Routes to School program.  Safe Routes to School seeks to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution near schools, improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, and increase physical activity for students across the country.  Trailnet works with parents and schools to set up walking routes, teach bike safety, and train parent leaders to lead the routes.  By making it easier and safer for kids to walk to school, schools encourage healthy behaviors that last a lifetime.  

For more information on Trailnet's Safe Routes to School program, visit https://trailnet.org/saferoutes.php

Safe Routes to School is produced by Trailnet with the support of the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Saigh Foundation and the Missouri Safe Routes to School Partnership.

# # #

Trailnet leads in fostering healthy and active communities through innovative programs, planning, and policy that promote walking and bicycling throughout the St. Louis bi-state region.