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September 21 ,
2006
Alameda to Celebrate Walk to School Week , #29
By Alex Plumb
During the first week of October children from forty
nations around the world will all have one thing in common.
From Abuja, Nigeria to Whitehorse, Yukon, International Walk
to School Week will be celebrated through locally planned
activities by millions of children.
Across Alameda we will mark the event with the sixth annual Walk & Roll to
School day on October 4. More than 4000 elementary and middle school students,
with the support of parents, teachers, city staff and volunteers, will celebrate
the many benefits of walking and bicycling to school.
One goal is to get children and parents to focus on healthy behavior. The benefits
of good nutrition and exercise will be emphasized by having each child complete
an “Eat and be Fit” form that journals their diet and exercise for
one week. Students who complete their forms can redeem them for prizes. Many
campuses will start their Walk and Roll to School Day activities with a “Shape
up Alameda” assembly. “Shape up Alameda” is a fun exercise
routine for kids, conducted by volunteers from many of Alameda’s fitness
centers.
Schools and local PTAs are encouraging parents to use Walk and Roll to School
Day as a kick-off point for organizing walking school bus and bike train programs
for their neighborhood kids. It’s a simple idea that promotes safety and
community spirit. Parents set up a time and place for the kids to meet (a route
that is tested and safe) and then take turns leading safe walking or biking groups
to and from school.
Alameda PTA Council President, Trish Spencer, wants as many parents as possible
to contribute. “I like to see adults modeling healthy behavior by participating
in this event and walking with their children. Even if you absolutely have to
drive your children to school I encourage you to park two blocks away and walk
with your child the rest of the way. We can teach as much from our actions as
our words.”
Financial support this year comes from Abbott Diabetes Care, Alameda Curves,
and Bank of Alameda. Spencer says she would like to expand the program next year. “With
enough community support,” she said, “we can broaden the activities
in a way that allows us to include all the middle schools and high schools in
the program.”
Audrey Lord-Hausman, community coordinator for Walk and Roll to School Day, would
also like to see the program expanded. She believes that more than one day of
encouragement is needed to make a real difference. “Parents and teachers
can use the October 4 day to kick-start a full year of Walk and Roll to School
events.”
At least one school is already doing so. Jen and John Knox White, Co-Event Coordinators
for Edison Elementary School, are planning a full week of activities in celebration
of the international event. To keep the message fresh and the kids involved,
monthly Walk and Roll to School Spirit days are scheduled for the remainder of
the year.
Medical problems that are directly related to an unhealthy diet and lack of physical
activity, like obesity and type 2 diabetes, are on the increase among our nation’s
children. Whether it’s for health, economic, or environmental reasons,
having kids walk or ride to school is a good thing.
Alex Plumb is a member of Pedestrian Friendly Alameda and
Bikealameda. For more bicycling information visit www.bikealameda.org .
For walking information visit www.pedfriendly.org
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