Walk (and Bike) to School Day is next Wednesday, October 7!

I have fond memories of last year's Walk to School Day. As we walked through the neighborhood we ran into other families on foot until there were probably 20 of us walking together. Have you ever experienced the power of 20 people on foot, walking through a neighborhood with no sidewalks? Cars slowed to a crawl. Children felt empowered. Adults relaxed and enjoyed the camaraderie. We were a force to be reckoned with!

My kids really want to bike to school next Wednesday, but when you bike with kids you lose the social aspect and the focus is entirely on safety. But it's still a lot of fun. I'm not sure what we'll do yet, but either way we all win. We get exercise, fresh air and the awesome feeling of generating our own carbon-free transportation.

I know for some people it is just downright dangerous to walk to school -- there are busy streets with no sidewalks or crosswalks. And distance can be a discouraging factor. But if it's within your power to do it, then do it! It's a great way to promote health and environmental awareness and draw attention to the fact that neighborhoods need safer routes to school! Who's in?