Pleasanton Celebrates Walk to School Week in October

Information from the City of Pleasanton—

Pleasanton elementary schools will be joining hundreds of schools throughout the nation by participating in the International Walk to School Week.

Vintage Hills Elementary school will walk on Tuesday, October 8th, Lydiksen, Mohr, Valley View and Walnut Groveschools on Wednesday, October 9th, Donlon and Fairlands schools on Thursday, October 10th and Alisal and Hearst schools will walk on Friday, October 11th.

The promotion is sponsored by the City of Pleasanton, Pleasanton Unified School District and all elementary schools. This annual event, held in Pleasanton for the 13th year, promotes pedestrian safety, improved air quality and parent involvement.

It is being promoted as part of Rides to School, Pleasanton’s School Traffic Calming Program. Morning celebrations where students and parents can enjoy refreshments, will be held beginning 30 minutes prior to the first bell at each school. Many parent volunteers will be helping to coordinate the refreshment parties which will welcome the hundreds of walkers each morning.

"Walk to School Day will allow parents to spend time with their children and see how beneficial walking to school is for their children and their school. It teaches the students safe walking habits and helps reduce traffic around the schools," said Lisa Adamos, Economic Development Specialist with the City of Pleasanton, when asked to describe the goals of this event. Rides to School is a collaboration of the City of Pleasanton and Pleasanton Unified School District with partial funding through the Alameda County Transportation Commission and Bay Area Air Quality Management District Transportation Fund for Clean Air, to plan and manage school-related traffic.

It supports the city’s Climate Action Plan’s goals and objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the Alameda County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program is working closely this year with Mohr Elementary School, Harvest Park and Pleasanton Middle schools and Foothill High School to plan programs and campaigns to promote walking, biking or carpooling to school. More information on Rides to School can be found at www.pleasantonschoolpool.org or by contacting Lisa Adamos, City of Pleasanton at 931-5039.