City of Conway’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (BPAB) is partnering with Conway Public Schools to encourage local participation in National Walk to School Day on Wednesday, Oct. 2. 

BPAB and Conway Schools invite students and families to ditch the car line on Oct. 2 and instead walk to school. Schools across the district will be participating, some offering additional walking-themed activities throughout the day and prizes for involvement. 

Schools located in zones that lack sufficient safe routes to school, due to traffic volume or lack of sidewalks, have brainstormed creative solutions to enable their students’ participation in this event. Marguerite Vann Elementary has organized a “meet up” on the Tucker Creek Trail as a fun alternative for students that prefer to walk from that location if walking from home isn’t a safe or convenient option.

Moriah Bruner, pedestrian representative for BPAB, said, “BPAB is excited to partner with Conway Schools to encourage local students to join others around the nation in walking to school on this special day. Walking to school enables children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. As an added benefit, the whole community benefits from less fuel emissions and traffic congestion. We hope to see great participation in this event.”

Coach Janet Taylor, wellness coordinator for Conway Public Schools, said, “Our goal for Walk to School Day is to create a school atmosphere that promotes positive steps toward healthier schools. We welcome participation from staff, students and families to serve as a springboard for safety and healthy lifestyles.”

National Walk to School Day is a movement meant to inspire the entire community to come together and promote health and safer routes for students to walk to school. In 2018, more than 5,600 communities registered Walk to School Day events. 

To learn more about National Walk to School Day, please visit: walkbiketoschool.org/.