A walkover

Today was International Walk to School Day.  I imagine in Linton and similar places this day passed without much notice, as pretty well everyone there who can walks to school every day.  But there was some real excitement about the concept at the Boy's school, with quite a lot of kids walking to school today for the very first time.

I volunteered to be part of a welcome committee for these bold adventurers, handing out free bananas and apples donated by the local Shop Rite.  Walkers were also given stickers and natty bags. There was a real air of festivity around the whole event.

Walking to school is a genuinely challenging proposition for many families here - the whole infrastructure of our suburb has been designed around motor travel: most side roads are without pavements (sidewalks); there are several roads too busy for small children to cross safely; the driving population is not necessarily clued up to pedestrians, especially small ones; winter conditions can be severe and summer can be unbearably hot.  On top of all these disincentives, there is an excellent school bus service, which for most people makes getting to school any other way seem just too complicated.

Nevertheless, a good many families made the effort to travel under their own steam this morning.  Out of 500+ kids, on a regular day there are about 25 walkers (and/or cyclists, including the scootering Boy); today there were well over 100.  The kids and their grown-ups looked pleased with themselves - especially those who, even with little legs, had trekked more than a mile.  Maybe some realised that walking to school can be a walkover, after all.