Students hit the pavement to celebrate National Walk to School Day

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s National Walk to School Day, and students all over the Cape Fear area hit the pavement this morning in an effort to raise awareness about pedestrian safety.

This year, Safe Kids Cape Fear teamed up with the DOT and Active Routes to School Project to inspire students to walk or bike more often and make healthier choices. The annual even hopes to help both students and drivers get where they are going, safely.

Teachers and staff at Forest Hills Elementary celebrated by handing out t-shirts and bags that reiterate what the day is all about.

“We want kids to get outside and be more active,” physical education teacher Sarah Graves said. “So when you have safe routes to school, you’ve got sidewalks and you’ve got crosswalks, it’s important to teach them about safety, and how walking is a wonderful way to get around.”

The celebrations all across the country first started to encourage change on a community level. The event also hopes to create options for healthy habits that last a lifetime.