Local students out to promote pedestrian safety

Wednesday, thousands of feet worldwide hit the pavement for International Walk to School Day. Plenty of local children took to the streets to promote pedestrian safety while cutting down on traffic congestion.

Two by two, kids and parents strolled down the road to set an example. An example of how beneficial walking to school can be.

“It’s an economical way to save some money and it also promotes physical activity for both the children and the adults to walk to and from school,” said Safe Kids Cape Fear coordinator Kim Budde.

Eleanor Shakar, a local parent, said, “They are learning how to walk, how to be safe on the road and my child loves it. She is so excited about those days we get to walk to school.”

“I thought it was a good idea for the kids to learn the aspects of safety for walking to school,” added Matthew Farr, also a local parent.

International Walk to School Day comes just in time for the Bradley Creek Elementary students. The city of Wilmington just placed a walkway behind the school to keep kids away from the busy streets and on the right path to having a great day at school.

“The city of Wilmington really wants to allow their children to walk and bicycle to school and this is one pathway they can use to get to school and we are excited to see this many children utilizing it today,” said Wilmington’s Transportation Planner, Joshuah Mello.

“It’s important to educate drivers about slowing down in the school zones and looking out for the children especially during school hours,” said Budde.

Transportation officials will be improving bike paths, cross walks, and sidewalks throughout the city to ensure safer routes for students.