Julian Curtiss School’s Walk-to-School Day is Reminder to Drivers to Slow Down

At Julian Curtiss School in central Greenwich Wednesday morning at 8:00am marked the start of a three-day “Walk to School Day” event.

Under clear blue skies, and brisk 59° temps, about 100 people turned out for day 1.

According to event co-chairs Elissa Diamond-Fields and Niall O’Donnell, from the PTA Health and Wellness Committee, Walk to School Day is an international effort, and the JC community joined children and adults around the world to celebrate the benefits of walking and bicycling.

Walk to School Day at Julian Curtiss School, October 5, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager

Walk to School Day at Julian Curtiss School, October 5, 2016 Credit: Leslie Yager

Julian Curtiss School registered their event at WalkBiketoSchool.org.

On Wednesday morning, families gathered at 8:00am at two spots: the top of Anderson Rd at East Elm, and by the Bowman Observatory entrance to campus. The walkers carried handmade posters and balloons. The goal is 300 walkers to participate over the three days.

According to Diamond-Fields, a focus on walking to school can can identify safe routes and pinpoint trouble spots. There are instances where the effort identifies the need for a stop sign or traffic signal, for example.

In central Greenwich, a key goal is to remind drivers rushing to work and even driving their own children to school that there are indeed walkers and to slow down and be alert.

At Julian Curtiss School there is a crossing guard at the entrance by Connecticut Ave and East Elm Street, and a second crossing guard at the intersection of Anderson Road and East Elm. There are also illuminated school zone signs reminding drivers of the 15 mile per hour limit at drop-off time.