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SALT LAKE CITY -- Gov. Gary Herbert started his day Wednesday with elementary school students, encouraging them to walk to school safely.
- Ask your principal for a copy of your school's SNAP Map, which shows the safest routes for students to walk and bike.
- Always wear a safety-certified helmet when riding a bicycle and make sure it fits properly and is worn correctly.
- Never walk or ride with headphones. They are distracting and can keep you from hearing traffic.
- When using an umbrella, don't allow it to block your view of traffic and signs. Use a bright umbrella as drivers' views are likely to be distorted by rain.
- Wear bright colored clothing or tie a bright handkerchief around your backpack, especially when you ride bicycles, to make it easier for traffic to see you.
- Organize a "walking school bus" or "bike train" in your neighborhood: Parents take turns being the "driver" and picking up or dropping off children at designated stops along the walking route.
The governor met as many students as he could while at Rosecrest Elementary School. He was there to kickoff the Walk More in Four program -- a statewide safe walking and biking to school challenge.
"It starts with young people," Herbert said. "Walking and biking to school is a good, healthy lifestyle."
The challenge for all Utah students in elementary school and junior high is to walk or bike at least three times a week for four weeks during September -- and to do it safely.
"They sometimes forget, especially when they're with friends, and I think that this will help them remember to watch for cars and be aware of things around them," said parent Jennifer Jessop.
Salt Lake County sheriff's deputies were also there to teach and remind the kids to always be safe. The deputies gave the students a map of the best route to take.
"It is a very good program, especially around our school because we have busy streets. And if we know how to walk safely, the map in place, they know where to go; it's a great program," Jessop said.
The students will chart their progress during the month and have chanced to win prizes like helmets, bikes and scooters.
The governor hopes even after the four-week challenge is up, kids and parents will keep moving.
"It's also about lifestyle. People need to think in terms of walking. We sometimes, as adults, park too close to Walmart. We ought to park out in the far side of the parking lot and walk in to do our shopping," Herbert said.
The Walk More in Four challenge leads up to the International Walk To School Day in October.
E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com
