Transportation Cabinet
October proclaimed ‘Walk to School Month’

Children across the Commonwealth are encouraged to walk or bike to school

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2010) — Gov. Steve Beshear has proclaimed October “Walk to School Month” in Kentucky, part of his initiative to support healthy lifestyles and provide opportunities for children to safely walk and bike to school.

 “This month is designated for families, schools and communities to work together to create safe routes for walking and bicycling for our students,” said Gov. Beshear.  “It emphasizes the importance of physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concerns for the environment.”
 
 Transportation Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock encourages students to embrace the Governor’s initiative.
 
“Walk to School initiatives are part of the larger picture for communities all across the state, supporting the Safe Routes to School program,” said Hancock. “We are committed to supporting the efforts of communities in providing safe, healthy and attractive environments for our children.”

Safe Routes to School projects, administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, are designed to encourage students in kindergarten through eighth grade to walk or ride bicycles to school, increasing their exercise and reducing motor vehicle traffic.

Several Kentucky schools have signed up to participate in Walk to School events on Oct. 6, which is International Walk to School Day.

For information about Walk to School Day visit www.walktoschool.org. More about Kentucky’s Safe Routes to School program is available at www.saferoutes.ky.gov.

###