-> According to a Sept. 25th news release, "Traverse City West Middle School has been selected as a pilot school for the State of Michigan's Safe Routes to School program. During the 2008-2009 school year, efforts will continue toward developing an action plan to make improvements to the TC West Middle School community and vicinity which will provide a safe environment for walking and biking to school.

"On October 8, 2008, students at Traverse City West Middle School will have the opportunity to participate in a Remote Drop Off/Walk to School Day. Students who arrive by bus or car will be asked to 'Hike Up the Hill' and walk to school, if only for a day. Buses will drop off students who wish to participate along Franke Road at the Service Drive Entrance. Students who are regularly driven to school are encouraged to be dropped off at the tennis courts parking lot. This way, the benefits of walking or biking to school can be provided to all students. Students dropped off at the remote sites will have volunteers along the route to school to ensure safety.

"Forty years ago the national average for children walking to school was nearly 50%, today it is closer to 10% nationally and 3% at TC West Middle School. A desire to walk was expressed by student survey respondents, who indicated that if routes to school were improved, 20% said they would walk and 40% said they might..."

Contact: Missy Luyk, <missy@traversetrails.org>