International Walk A Child To School Day

Grand Island, NY- Antoine M. Thompson, NYS Senator, 60^th District and NYSDOT Regional Director, Alan Taylor walked children from the William Kaegebin Elementary School on Grand Island to school in celebration of “International Walk A Child to School Day, and the awarding of a $57,000 grant from the Department of Transportation for Safe Routes to School on Wednesday, October 8, 2008.

NYSDOT Commissioner Glynn said, “Under Governor Paterson’s leadership the Department of Transportation is working to improve pedestrian safety throughout New York State by making safe transportation alternatives available to children, the Safe Routes to School program seeks to encourage our kids to walk and bicycle to school each day.”

“ The benefits of Walk a Child to School Day are significant. Walking increases the daily levels of physical activity, parents have an opportunity to teach their children about traffic safety, and there is a significant reduction in both air pollution and congestion. The most important aspect of walking and or bicycling to and from school is that you get to meet your neighbors and this alone brings back a sense of community,” said Senator Thompson.

Following the walk, Senator Thompson was joined by Mr. Christman, Superintendent of Grand Island Schools, Mr. John Wiertel, Principal of Kaegebin Elementary to announce the awarding of the Safe Routes to Schools grant to the school district.

Regional Director Alan E. Taylor said, “The Department of Transportation is proud to actively help our local communities address their pedestrian and bicycling safety concerns around schools, and encourages more walking and bicycling as an alternative transportation option through the Safe Routes to School Program.”