Napa County Walk And Roll To School Day Sees Near-Record Turnout

NAPA COUNTY, CA — The Napa County Safe Routes to School program celebrated a successful return of the annual Walk and Roll to School Day event Wednesday following a hiatus in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Twenty-three schools across Napa County participated in the annual event that brings together students, parents and teachers to encourage students to develop healthy and active lifestyle habits and highlights the benefits of active transportation. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, schools reported more than 1,950 students either walked, biked or rolled to school.

Volunteers and school staff hosted welcome tables to greet participants as they arrived at school and reward their healthy choice with snacks and prizes like bike lights and stickers.

Phillips Elementary School in Napa had 196 students who walked or rolled to school — more than any other site in Napa County.

"Our congratulations to the students, teachers, and parents of Phillips Elementary School!" said Carlotta Sainato, Napa County Bicycle Coalition's program manager for the Safe Routes To School Program.

Walk & Roll to School Day is part of the Napa County Safe Routes to Schools program, a partnership between the Napa County Office of Education, Napa Valley Transportation Authority and the Napa County Bicycle Coalition.

The annual event provides an opportunity for students to try walking or rolling to school in a positive, community-supported environment and celebrates those who make the active choice.

"The event raises awareness about the benefits of walking and biking to students, schools, and the broader community, as well as the importance of creating safe walkable and bikeable routes to school," Sainato said. "Walking or bicycling to school builds physical activity and outdoor-time into students’ daily lives and helps students develop a stronger sense of responsibility, independence, and connection with community."