Getting there Safely, by foot or wheels, a priority at many Athens Schools

Johnny Shanks, 8 and 1/2, was one of many students at Timothy Road Elementary School who took to the sidewalk this morning on his way to school. Children who might have gotten to school in carpools or on buses brought their bikes, scooters and feet and went to school together.

Their steps were marked by snacks, rubber bracelets and music.

"We are so proud of the success of our Safe Routes to School initiative” said Timothy Principal Angela Hardeman. “Walking to school is a great supplement to our physical education program and has really strengthened our school community. More parents and families have gotten to know each other and help keep everyone safe.”

Timothy isn't the only Safe Routes school in the Clarke County School District. The initiative began with Barrow Elementary School in 2008. This year, seven elementary schools have Safe Routes programs. Last year, voters approved alternative school transportation in last year's SPLOST. Officials are planning infrastructure improvements. 

The Safe Routes program at Timothy was named as one of the top six programs in the state by the Georgia Safe Routes to School Resource Center. Amy Heesacker, Timothy Safe Routes Coordinator, said the school held ten organized walks and rallies last year, with hundreds of students and families walking to school each month.

"When Safe Routes at Timothy started just three years ago, there were fewer than a dozen regular walkers," she said.