Anchorage Superintendent Comeau Participates in International Walk to School Day;
Public Interest Groups Urge Participation in Safe Routes to School Program in Alaska

Eagle River, Alaska – Alpenglow Elementary in Eagle River joined schools around the world celebrating International Walk to School Day on October 8, with Anchorage School Superintendent Carol Comeau highlighting events at Alpenglow. Alaska Transportation Priorities Project (ATPP) and Bicycle Commuters of Anchorage (BCA) applaud Alpenglow Elementary, Superintendent Comeau, Safe Kids Alaska at Providence Alaska Medical Center, the Alaska Injury Prevention Center, and event sponsor FedEx for their International Walk to School efforts today. ATPP and BCA urge other schools throughout Alaska to take advantage of the federal Safe Routes to School program's federal grant money which can be used to increase walking and bicycling to elementary and middle schools.

Walk to School events promote safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize: 1. the importance of physical activity for children to prevent obesity and diseases like diabetes, 2. pedestrian and bicycling safety, 3. school contributions to traffic congestion, 4. concern for the environment, and 5. the connections between families, schools, and the broader community. In 2000, the US, Canada, and Great Britain joined together to create International Walk to School Day; today more than 5,000 schools in the US participate. October is International Walk to School month.

In 1969, about half of all students walked or bicycled to school, however the story is very different today. Fewer than 15 percent of all school trips are made by walking or bicycling, one-quarter are made on a school bus, and over half of all children arrive at school in private automobiles.

ATPP promotes non-motorized (i.e., walking and bicycling) as transportation modes, wherever appropriate throughout Alaska. BCA promotes bicycle commuting in the Anchorage area. Both organizations support greater Anchorage and statewide participation in Alaska's Safe Routes to School program.

"Safe Routes to School is a well-designed and relatively well-funded program, and the Alaska Transportation Priorities Project hopes school principals and staff and parents will consider implementing this program locally," said Lois Epstein, Director of ATPP.

"About 25% of Alaskan youth are overweight or obese. Walking or biking to and from school is a great way to have daily physical activity. Walking or biking also reduces traffic congestion, is good for the environment and builds a stronger sense of community," said BCA spokesperson and nurse Dawn Groth.

For additional information:
Alaska Safe Routes to School program: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/saferoutes/index.shtml
Alaska Safe Routes to School grants: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/stwdplng/saferoutes/grants.shtml
National Center for Safe Routes to School: www.saferoutesinfo.org
International Walk to School in the USA    : www.walktoschool.org        
International Walk to School Month (Oct.): www.iwalktoschool.org

Steve Soenksen, Alaska Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Steve.Soenksen@alaska.gov, 907.465.4069