photo by flickr user limonada

Update 3/8/12:  We heard from Rodney Oldham, Safe Routes to School Program Coordinator for the SC Department of Transportation and he added to the list of Horry County Schools that participated.

North Myrtle Beach Elementary, Kingston Elementary, Myrtle Beach Intermediate, and St. James Elementary were also partners in the event and encouraged safe walking and biking to school yesterday.  Mr. Oldham mentioned that it is a school-by-school decision whether or not to partner and it's typically made by the principal or administrator.

Thank you, Mr. Oldham, for the correction.  It was great news to hear!

If you are interested in your child's school participating, share this "Become a partner" information with school leaders.

First report:  Only a few Horry County students joined a statewide movement to walk and bike to school on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 as part of South Carolina Walk to School Day.

The event aims to promote safer routes for walking and biking, and emphasize the importance of increasing physical activity for children.  Wednesday’s statewide events are a spring version of the International Walk to School Day held each October, which also emphasizes pedestrian safety, reduced traffic congestion, and better connections between families, schools, and the broader community.

It all sounds great, right?  Then why is it that only one Horry County school - Conway Elementary - is listed as a partner?  I have children in school and didn't hear a word about it before reading the article on our sister site in Beaufort. 

If you're interested in your school participating, let them know!  Here is a list of resources and upcoming similar events.

• National Bike to School Day - May 9, 2012, sign-ups begin in April 2012
• International Walk to School Day - October 3, 2012
• Tips for parents teaching pedestrian safety to children