This past October, Director of Transportation Art Holmes recently joined parents, teachers, and children around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day at the Dr. Charles Drew Elementary School in Silver Spring.  The annual event promotes safer streets, healthier lifestyles, and cleaner air.  Mr. Holmes was joined by Councilmembers Valerie Ervin and Craig Rice, and other dignitaries. 

Over 47 schools across the county celebrated the day with various activities, an increase over last year's event.

Supporters of the event included AAA Mid-Atlantic, Federal Express, Clif Kid, the Maryland Highway Safety Office, and various County agencies.

Montgomery County is upgrading safety at schools, thanks in part to the federal Safe Routes to School program created in 2005 and to County funds provided by MCDOT's Division of Traffic Engineering and Operations.  The program provides funding communities can use to retrofit roads and create sidewalks and bike paths that allow children to safely walk or bike to school.  Funding also supports enforcement and education campaigns.

For more information, visit MCDOT's revamped Safe Routes to School website, or call our Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Nadji Kirby, at 240.777.7169.

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