By Mary O’KEEFE

Students are encouraged to participate in the International Walk to School Day next Wednesday, Oct. 7. Students traditionally begin to walk to school at 7:30 a.m. 

“Organized by the Partnership for a Walkable America, Walk to School Day in the U.S. began in 1997 as a one-day event aimed at building awareness for the need for walkable communities. In 2000, the event became international when the UK and Canada (both of which had already been promoting walking to school) and the U.S. joined together for the first International Walk to School Day. Growing interest in participation all over the world led the International Walk to School Committee to shifts its promotion to International Walk to School Month for the entire month of October,” according to walkbiketoschool.org.

Glendale, Burbank and Los Angeles unified school districts all participate on Oct. 7. Drivers should be extra cautious as many school routes in the Crescenta Valley area, specifically, do not have sidewalks. 

Law enforcement will be on hand to make sure everyone is following the traffic laws and that pedestrians are safe. 

It is also important to remind parents that e-motos (electric small motorcycles that can reach speeds over 48 mph) are not street legal.