Austin Public Works' Safe Routes to School Program and Dell Children's Medical Center Safe Kids Austin partnered for International Walk to School Day. Students, parents, and teachers from Summitt Elementary met at the Milwood Branch, Austin Public Library for a group warm-up and pedestrian safety tips before walking to school together. 

The event promoted walking, featured pedestrian safety tips, and most importantly, encouraged everyone to be safe on the road. "Walk to School Day is a great chance to educate students about safe pedestrian behaviors and also to remind adults how important it is to drive slow and be alert around schools and crosswalks," said Carlee McConnell, Safe Kids Austin Coordinator, Dell Children's Medical Center. 

The walk began along Adelphi Lane which received multiple pedestrian-friendly improvements as part of the 2016 Mobility Bond Local Mobility Program. Austin's Safe Routes to School program in partnership with Urban Trails, Sidewalks and the Bikeways program installed a new sidewalk on the north side of Adelphi Lane from Amherst Drive to Waters Park Road earlier this year. The new sidewalk connects apartments located on the north side of Adelphi Lane to Summit Elementary School, improving access and safety for students walking to and from school. 

"The goal behind Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Reports are to identify barriers that are preventing students from walking and biking to school. The reports gave us the opportunity to view barriers through the eyes of students," said Amir Emamian, Safe Routes to School Program Manager.

The Safe Routes to School program is currently taking comments on Draft Council District 4 and 6 Infrastructure Reports, which identify potential pedestrian-friendly projects near schools in those Council districs. The comment period will close on Oct. 14. All 10 Council District Final Reports will be released later this fall.

View photos from the event at the Austin Public Works Flickr.