ANKENY, Iowa — Wednesday is National Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day. The day encourages students across the country to incorporate physical activity into their routines and learn about road safety.
Westwood, Rock Creek, Abbie Grove and East elementary schools in the Ankeny Community School District all celebrated the day.
“We’re just encouraging students to get out and bike and walk,” said Erin Kohlsdorf, safety coordinator for Ankeny schools. “I think we can all do a little bit more outside activity. We know that makes us feel good.”
Students from the four elementary schools also saw some new faces outside their schools Wednesday. The district partnered with Ankeny police to help direct traffic and welcome students.
“This has been going on for 20 years nationally, but this is the first time that we’ve decided to do it here,” Sgt. James Wilson with the Ankeny Police Department said.
National Bike, Walk & Roll to School Day also encourages parents to have crucial conversations with their children about pedestrian safety.
“An important thing I really like to do by biking together is being able to watch my daughter and tell her to watch for cars and just make eye contact with drivers so she can cross safely,” said Josie Ford, whose daughter attends Abbie Grove Elementary.
According to the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, 49 schools across the state participated in National Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day.