Between 500 and 600 Walnut Elementary School students participated in the campus’ annual Walk to School Day on Wednesday, escorted by the Turlock and Stanislaus State police departments, Al the Walnut of the Modesto Nuts minor league baseball team, 6th grade helpers and, of course, Walnut teachers, parents and staff. Some walked from their houses, while many others met at and walked from Cornerstone Church. 

The busy morning came one week ahead of National Bike/Walk to School Day, which will be observed across the United States on Oct. 10. The first Walk to School Day event started more than 20 years ago and was intended to encourage children to get familiar with their neighborhood and make trips to and from school safe and fun. With more children riding their bikes to school, a National Bike to School Day was added in 2012. Currently, the one-day event promotes safe behaviors for both children on foot and on two wheels.

To see which schools are participating, visit bit.ly/WalkBikeToSchool. To learn more about projects and activities that promote safe walking and biking to school every day, visit the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools website at www.saferoutesinfo.org.