For more information, contact:
Cheryl Wittke, Executive Director
Safe Communities Madison-Dane Co.
(608) 256-6713
Amanda Langan, Communications Director
Safe Communities Madison-Dane Co.
(608) 381-5269
Nicole Vesely, Safe Kids Madison Area
Coordinator
(608) 890-8998
MADISON – Students from Schenk Elementary and Whitehorse Middle School carried orange flags on their way to school today as one of the ‘Walk or Wheel to School’ activities intended to raise awareness for pedestrian safety. City of Madison Police Department Traffic Enforcement Safety Team (TEST) officers were present to enforce safe speeds by motorists. Parent Teacher Organization volunteers, school staff, UW Student Athletes and local partners also joined the students to help encourage safe walking environments.
The orange pedestrian flags, housed in temporary holders at the corner of Walter and Richard Streets, are a Safe Communities initiative that aid pedestrians in signaling to motorists before crossing the street. Later this month, City of Madison Traffic Engineering will install an Artful Crossings permanent flag box at this location featuring artwork created by Schenk and Whitehorse students.
According to statistics from Safe Kids Madison Area, 44 children are hit by a car every day in the United States. Nationally, Safe Kids coalitions worked with more than 600 elementary schools and educated more than 250,000 children during International Walk to School Day on October 7 to provide education about the dangers to pedestrians and walking tips for safety.
Schenk Elementary School featured a number of activities for students during the week, including walks during physical education classes, pedestrian and bicycle education, encouraging walking or bicycling to school during the week, contests and prizes.
For more information about participating organizations or details about pedestrian safety, please contact Safe Communities Madison-Dane County at 608-441-3060 or Safe Kids Madison Area at 608-890-8998.
