Why Rush? 'Walk N Roll' With Your Student To School

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Few parents can say they enjoy the morning drop-off at their child's school — navigating the chaos of fender-to-fender drop-off traffic, dodging tickets, and hurried good byes.

In an effort to provide an alternative to the car-locked commute, a Contra Costa County-wide program is encouraging elementary students to walk, bike, scooter, or carpool to school.

The program, run by Street Smarts Diablo, operates through a "Walk N Roll" initiative at participating schools.

Each student receives a scan tag when their school enrolls in the program. Volunteers scan the tags using a mobile app as students arrive. Every fourth qualifying trip earns students a small collectible charm attached to the tag. Registration of student information is optional, and participation does not require families to submit personal data. Parents may opt in to receive text notifications when a child checks in at school.

According to advocates, carpooling, biking, walking, or using transit one day a week alone can reduce annual vehicle travel by roughly 1,200 miles per commuter, lower driving costs by about $455, and reduce traffic by 20 percent.

Schools participating in Walk N Roll have reported less traffic during drop-off hours. They have also reported a drop in tardies.

Murwood Elementary was the first school in Walnut Creek to adopt the program, with officials reporting that about half of the students walk or roll on designated days. Parkmead and Indian Valley elementary schools are expected to join later this year.

Additional information about the program is available on the Walk N Roll website and the Walnut Creek Transportation Commission.