Celebrity walkers Jordan Green, Transportation Support Manager with Florida Department of Transportation District Two, Northeast Florida, NFL Jacksonville Jaguars Safety Johnathan Cyprien and NASCAR driver and Alert Today Florida spokesman Scott Lagasse Jr. joined more than 100 young students and family members for the group walk in southwest Jacksonville.
See a video of the event at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjSF1-MGgnM.
The number of participating locations across Florida grew by 30 sites this year, ensuring more students and their families have access to safer walking and bicycling environments. Participating schools could register to win free reflective book bags promoting “Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow”, a safety initiative sponsored by FDOT to remind Floridians that “Safety Doesn’t Happen By Accident” and to remind all roadway users to pay attention and follow the rules of the road. For more information about Florida’s pedestrian- and bicycle-focused initiative, visit alerttodayflorida.com.
The National Center for Safe Routes to School offers five important reasons to support walking and bicycling to school:
- It’s Fun!
Walking and bicycling bring a sense of joy and independence.
- Healthier Habits
The trip to school is a chance for children (and adults) to get the physical activity they need.
- Cleaner Environment
Replacing car trips to school with walking or bicycling can reduce congestion and air-polluting emissions.
- Promoting Safety
Building sidewalks, providing education programs and adding traffic calming measures are some of the ways to improve safety. Encouraging walking and bicycling to school can help build support for infrastructure improvements in the broader community.
- Community Benefits
Reducing traffic congestion, boosting a sense of community and improving neighborhood connections benefit the community.
Bike to School Day 2016 is scheduled for Wednesday, May 4. To plan a Bike to School Day event at your local school, please visit walkbiketoschool.org for more information.
Photos of the event are posted on http://www.facebook.com/myfdotnefl.
FDOT Northeast 