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Resources for Kids and Parents
Doing your part to help reduce pollution isn’t just for grown ups and motorists. Kids can help out too by walking, scootering, skateboarding, bicycling, or taking bus to school or to activities. Check out our Going Green Activity Wheel for some fantastic ideas and activities on environmentally friendly transportation options!
International Walk to School Day is October 5.
Read our blog for updates about youth friendly activities in Contra Costa County, such as last year’s “Be Reel!” video contest.
Benefits of Non-motorized School Transportation
- Less congested traffic before and after school means safer neighborhoods
- Reduce the time you spend chauffering your children
- Save money on gas and car maintenance
- Awareness of the options you have to get around without a car
- Your personal fitness and the environment.
Or better yet, try walking your kids to school. Here are some safety tips:
- Encourage children to wear bright colors when walking or bicycling, and to use reflective tape on backpacks or jackets.
- Try organizing a “Walking School Bus” – a group of children who walk a designated route under adult supervision, making “pick-ups” along the way – just like a real bus, but without the pollution.
- Park and walk to school. While not ideal, this may be the first step in letting your child walk to school. Designate areas 1/4 to 1/2 mile from school where parents can drop of children and safely walk the remaining distance.
Schools Champion the Idea of Walking to School
October International Walk to School Month. Schools voluntarily champion the promotion to encourage students and families to walk to school. Options include forming walking school buses, friendly homeroom competitions, and more. 511 Contra Costa offers supportive materials to schools who promote the event with banners, flyers, and prizes.
The Dallas Ranch Middle School Student Leadership class partnered with 511 Contra Costa to organize Walkin’ Wednesdays during the spring of 2010. Prizes were given out to students who walked, biked or skateboarded to school.
Has your school made any awesome efforts to promote green commutes? If so, let us know!