The Way to Go program is a road-sense project that fosters safer, healthier travel alternatives for elementary and middle school students. This program is sponsored internationally with Walk to School month in October, with a specific week devoted to Walk to School events - October 5-9, 2009.  The City of Auburn and PCTPA work cooperatively to promote the program throughout several Auburn Union Elementary Schools with the help of a Clean Air Grant from the Placer County Air Pollution Control District. 

In Placer County, almost half of our children travel to school in a car. That's up from less than one in three ten years ago. Most of these trips are less than half a mile long. This trend often reflects parents' concerns for their child's well-being however, the increased traffic in and around schools creates safety, environmental, and health hazards.

In evaluating schools and their proximity to sidewalks, it's apparent from a safety perspective that walking may not be a feasible alternative for all parents and children.  The Way to Go program was developed to try and reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality in and around area schools by promoting ALL the alternative ways to get to and from school which include walking, biking, carpooling and taking the bus to school.

Way to Go offers valuable information to help parents make safer alternative travel arrangements for students going to and from school.  The goal of the program is to enable more children to walk, bike, carpool, or take the bus to school with their families, friends and neighbors. The anticipated results are happier, healthier, safer children with stronger connections to their neighborhoods, communities, and each other.

An element of the Way to Go program is Walk to School events at several area schools.  Children meet at a designated location in close proximity to the school, yet away from the highly congested area around the school, and walk to school escorted by PCTPA and City of Auburn staff as well as volunteer parents and safety patrol which may include staff from the police and fire departments.

The focus of the Walk to School events is safety, health, and the environment.  This event raises awareness about the positive ways walking to school helps children and communities. In addition, it promotes the importance of teaching children safe walking behaviors.  This event raises awareness about the need to:

• Reinforce children's good traffic safety skills
• Remind adults to drive safely in school zones
• Create and maintain safe places for children to walk within their neighborhood, such as on trips to and from school
• Identify specific steps people can take to make our community more pedestrian friendly
• Promote regular physical activity for strong and healthy children
• Encourage families to have fun and spend time together simply by walking - the easiest way to stay healthy
• Consider all the alternatives in getting children to school

• There's plenty of great reasons to consider walking, biking, taking the bus, or carpooling when making the journey to and from school.  Finding one that works for you, even one or two days a week, is the first step.
   

...TRY THE BUS
School bus information including costs and routes can be found on the District website at www.auburn.k12.ca.us/bus.htm or at the District office located at 255 Epperle Lane, Auburn, (530) 885-7242.

...TRY A CARPOOL
 Carpooling is a great way to reduce traffic congestion.  What are the benefits of carpooling?

• Safety - Reduces traffic congestion before and after school.

• Time - Reduces the number of times you have to drive your students to and from school.

• Environment - Helps improve air quality so we can all breathe easier.

• Economic - Saves money on gas and wear and tear on your car.

For suggested tips on how to establish a carpool with kids, download 11 Ideas for SchoolPoolers.

...TRY WALKING OR BIKING
International Walk and Bike to School Month is October!
One study found that in 1969 about 90 percent of kids who lived within a mile of school walked or rode bikes to get there.  In 2004, just 48 percent did that at least one day a week.

There are plenty of great reasons to lace up those sneakers and walk and bike to school - less traffic, safer streets, cleaner air.  Walking and biking to school protects the environment by reducing the amount of air pollutants emitted by automobiles.

GETTING STARTED WALKING OR BIKING

• Launch a "Walking School Bus".   Walking School Buses are groups of children who walk designated routes to school under adult supervision, picking up kids along the way, just like a bus.
• Encourage kids to wear bright colors during the day and reflector tape on their backpacks or jackets.
• Park and walk to school. 
• Designate areas 1/4 to 1/2 mile from school where parents can drop off children and they can safely walk the remaining distance to school.

This program is made possible by a grant from the Placer County Air Pollution Control District.

» Download "Way to Go" Brochure
» Download 11 Ideas for SchoolPoolers