Wednesday, Oct. 6 is National Walk or Bike to School Day.
As communities in Dallas County increase the number of safe sidewalks and recreation trails, more students and school staff are taking advantage of the opportunity to sneak in a few more daily steps.
Hop on your favorite social media and organize some folks in your neighborhood or apartment complex to walk or bike together this coming Wednesday. If you enjoy it, go ahead and continue throughout the pleasant, cool, fall days.
Planning a group walk may bring to attention needs in your community for safer, more accessible and walkable routes from residential areas to needed services, such as schools, grocery stores and houses of worship.
“By starting with children and the trip to school, communities become safe places for everyone to walk and bike,” the organization Safe Routes to School notes.
Your school district may be interested in collaborating with local law enforcement for a bike and helmet safety check around or on October 6.
Our own 89-mile Raccoon Valley Recreation Trail was recently inducted into the national hall of fame as the longest and oldest paved loop trail. It has trailheads in nine Dallas County towns, including Perry, which will someday also have a trailhead for the High Trestle Trail.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
