Walking to school is a fun and healthy activity in any weather. Safe Routes to School Will hold its annual “Polar Walk” on Wednesday February 8th, 2023. Approximately 2,000 students from nine Moscow Schools will participate along with over 250 parents, teachers, and community leaders and over 20 University of Idaho students, staff, and faculty.
The United States has the lowest percentage of individuals who walk or bike to work and school even when conditions are ideal. The Polar Walk encourages active travel to and from school even in winter weather conditions. Safe Routes to School strives to provide safe, convenient, and fun opportunities for active travel.
As part of their event, Safe Routes to School will have “Walking School Buses” where students can walk together from a designated meeting place with the assistance of volunteer supervision. West Park Elementary students will meet at the University of Idaho Rec Center. Russell Elementary Students will meet at East City Park. McDonald Elementary Students will meet at the Eggan Youth Center. Saint Mary’s students will meet at Saint Mary’s church parking lot. Palouse Prairie Students will meet at Indian Hills Park. All Walking Buses will depart 15-20 minutes before their school’s designated start time to ensure on-time arrival. Check with your school to find exact departure times.
Safe Routes to School reminds participants to dress appropriately for the conditions by wearing boots, gloves, hats, heavy winter coats, snow pants, and scarves. Recommended walking routes to your school, and Park-and-Walk locations are available at: https://www.uidaho.edu/ed/departments/srts/resources Click on your school for printable and interactive maps.
We ask all Moscow residents to drive with caution in all school zones to help accommodate the high volume of children walking to school on this day. The Moscow Police Department will offer additional safety patrol at school sites.
The Moscow Safe Routes to School program is based in the Movement Sciences Department, College of Education at the University of Idaho. For additional information, please contact Cate Egan at 770-639-3953 or via email at eganca@uidaho.edu.
For additional information, please visit these websites:
Moscow Safe Routes to School: https://www.uidaho.edu/ed/departments/srts/resources
Walk to School Day in the USA: [//www.walkbiketoschool.org]www.walkbiketoschool.org
National Center for Safe Routes to School: [//www.saferoutesinfo.org]www.saferoutesinfo.org
