Murrieta Kids Walk, Roll To School Wednesday: Drivers, Be Aware

MURRIETA, CA — Murrieta school children, families, school staff, and officials will be walking to school on Wednesday morning in what has become a worldwide event: International Walk To School Day.

Kids and parents will be out and about on foot between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wednesday morning, during school drop-off. Expect more kids on the road during school pick-up times in the afternoon, as well. Be mindful of all crosswalks and stop signs, whether or not a crossing guard is present, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Murrieta drivers should be aware there will be many more people out on sidewalks and crossing streets, on foot, bikes, skateboards, and scooters during drive time.

Approximately 40 Riverside County schools have signed up to participate in the "Walking School Bus," where groups of parents and volunteers walk with children to nearby schools, according to the Riverside University Health System, who is supporting the event.

International Walk To School Day is a one-day event that is part of a worldwide effort celebrating the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and walking or biking to school, according to Riverside University Health System-Public Health Director Kim Saruwatari.

"This is just one day, but we are hopeful the community will see the benefits of walking and biking to school and make it an everyday habit," she said. "This is part of an overall healthier lifestyle for students, parents, and staff, including more exercise, healthier eating, and consuming less sugary drinks."

Public Health officers described some tips for students and parents forming the "walking school buses."

• Be predictable. Use crosswalks.
• Walk on sidewalks when available.
• Always look left-right-left before crossing the street.
• Make sure to make eye contact with drivers before crossing the street.

Walking to school can be an everyday occurrence, according to Saruwatari and the founders of International Walk to School Day.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Don Olson described the day and what drivers can do to make it an enjoyable outing for everyone.

• Plan your route on roads with sidewalks or paths away from traffic. If there are no sidewalks, walk or ride as far from cars as possible, facing traffic.
• Use crosswalks, preferably at stop signs or signals. If there are unmarked crosswalks, cross at corners on streets with fewer lanes and lower speed limits.
• Always look left-right-left before crossing the street. Continue to scan for traffic as you cross the street.
• Watch for cars entering/leaving driveways or parking spaces.
• Always wear a helmet when riding or rolling.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Keep earbud or headphone volume low enough so you can still hear around you.

"National Walk and Roll to School Day is a great opportunity for families to get outside and get moving together," Olson said. "Walking, biking, skateboarding or scootering to school not only provides exercise, but it also helps promote the importance of safe routes to schools."

Schools are encouraged to register at walkbiketoschool.org to track participation and show support for active, healthy, and safe transportation.

If you take a picture of your Murrieta Walking School Bus, email your Patch editor for a chance to be featured on Patch.