Local Kids Will Walk and Ride to School Wednesday

North Andover will join Safe Routes Walk and Ride to School Day Wednesday.

Walk and Ride to School Day is a national program directed at reducing congestion, air pollution and traffic conflicts near schools and promoting the health and mobility of students.

Because North Andover is participating, the town has earned a state funded infrastructure assessment and is eligible for state and federal money for safety infrastructure improvements such as new or reconstructed sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic lights, pedestrian signs and more.

Think you live too far from your kids' schools for them to walk? No problem. You can  drop off your kids and their friends at staffed locations designated by your school.

has two staffed designated drop-off areas, at 7 a.m.: 

• Old Common, along Osgood Street, ¾ mile from NAMS.
• Messina’s Plaza, Boston Chowda,  ¾ mile from NAMS.

If your children are in elementary schools, check the school's Web site for staffed drop off locations.

will be participating in the Safe Routes Walk to School Day starting at 7:40 a.m. from the Old Center Common to Kittredge. The school has  a surprise guest scheduled to walk with the kids.
                       
Also, parents are encouraged to join their students on their walk to school. Schools are looking for some parent volunteers to ensure the walkers and bikers arrive safely.