MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW)-More than 200 schools across the state will participate in South Carolina’s ‘walk to school day’. Kids can also choose to bike to school as well as part of the initiative. Parents are encouraged to be involved with the event since the goal is to spark healthier lifestyles among families.
The creator of the event, Rodney Oldham said walking to school has many health benefits. Some of those include: increasing physical activity and enhancing health, reducing traffic congestion, and improving air quality. Also, teaching pedestrian, bicycle, and personal safety skills and encouraging community involvement in safe routes to school programs.
Oldham said he wants to do his part to help reduce obesity in children.
“We know looking at the numbers that childhood obesity is getting worse. Progressively worse here in our state. One of the components of safe routes is looking at ways for kids to walk or bike to school as a form of physical activity. Schools can use this as a way to teach pedestrian safety skills but also as a way to do their small part there.”
The SCDOT created the safe routes to school program. It wants to make sure all children, even those with disabilities have a safe way to get to school either by biking or walking. There are ways for you to be involved in the safe routes program or you can help create a safe route. You can learn more here.
