Pittsburgh on Wednesday is hosting its biannual Walk and Roll to School Day, an event that encourages students to walk or bike to class.
It’s part of the Safe Routes to School program, which aims to increase the number of students who walk or bike to school by offering education, encouragement and safety improvement.
Held in May and October each year, Walk and Roll to School is meant to bring together families, teachers, staff and other community members to support the idea of creating healthy communities by offering safe walking and biking routes for students.
Officials said the initiative will educate students and their families about the benefits of taking alternate options to get students to and from school.
Harriet C. Jackson, program coordinator for the Safe Routes to School program, urged the public to “please slow down and drive extra cautiously around Pittsburgh’s schools” Wednesday.
The school with the most walkers and bicyclists will win the Golden Sneaker Award, which was given to Brookline PreK-8 in May.
Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and the Pittsburgh Penguin’s Iceburgh mascot will visit schools Wednesday to support students. Representatives from PennDOT and BikePGH will join Pittsburgh police in walking the routes and welcoming students.
