October 2 Event Promotes Safety for Students Walking or Biking to School
Ironwood Elementary School in Phoenix joined schools from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day today. Mayor Kate Gallego walked with the students and shared a safety message at this year’s event.
Festivities kicked off at 7:30 a.m. at Acoma Park with Ironwood Elementary students, parents, teachers and community leaders walking to the school in a procession led by the Greenway High School Marching Band. When the students arrived at the school, they gathered at the basketball court where the celebration continued.
"Safe and healthy habits can begin at any age," Mayor Kate Gallego said. "By encouraging physical activity and safety in a fun and engaging way, we hope to make an enduring difference in our community and in the lives of our youngest residents."
"This event is one of 26 safety-focused Walk to School Day events the Street Transportation school safety team will be presenting at schools between September and November," District 1 Councilwoman Thelda Williams said. "We are grateful for the support of public safety personnel and school officials who help make these events informative and fun."
Phoenix has celebrated Walk to School Day for 19 years, holding its first event in 2000. Walk to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as pedestrian safety while also encouraging increased physical activity among children. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community.
The event was organized by Washington School District, Ironwood Elementary, Maricopa County Public Health and the city of Phoenix Street Transportation Department with support from the Phoenix Police Department and Phoenix Fire Department.
Additional Resources
Media Contact for City of Phoenix Street Transportation: Heather Murphy 602-292-3883
Walk to School Day in the USA:
www.walkbiketoschool.orgNational Center for Safe Routes to School:
www.saferoutesinfo.org About International Walk to School Day
Walk to School Day was established in the United States in 1997 by the Partnership for a Walkable America. It has grown into an international initiative celebrated in all 50 states and 40 foreign countries.
The city of Phoenix has celebrated Walk to School day since 2000 and has since expanded to have one main public event and a series of Walk to School Days with school safety assemblies from September through November.
Walk to School Day began as a simple idea – children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. It is an energizing event, reminding everyone of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the need for safe places to walk and bike. Schools focus on health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment.
