The purpose of this event is to get students, parents, teachers and business professionals to try walking to school or work for a chance to win prizes. The focus was be on promoting safe walking routes throughout the city so participants can feel comfortable choosing walking as an active form of transportation rather than driving alone using a single occupancy vehicle (SOV).
Below are just a few of its goals:
- Encourage physical activity by teaching children the skills to walk safely, how to identify safe routes to school, and the benefits of walking
- Raise awareness of how walkable a community is and where improvements can be made
- Raise concern for the environment
- Reduce crime and take back neighborhoods for people on foot
- Reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and speed near schools
- Share valuable time with local community leaders, parents, and children