Nashville ‘Walk To School Day’ Could Draw 15,000 Students

In the biggest event of Walk Nashville Month, about 15,000 students are expected walk to school with their parents and teachers Wednesday as part of Walk To School Day. Organizers hope it will show how walking can make a big dent in traffic.

Like last year, there are 62 elementary and middle schools taking part in the event hosted by Walk Bike Nashville, which is also organizing an entire month of pedestrian-friendly activities. Executive director Nora Kern says that’s enough to make a difference during rush hour, when school traffic is estimated to cause almost a third of car trips.

“I think most of us know schools cause a lot of the traffic problems, so we’re hoping on that day you’ll notice that there’s fewer people waiting in line to drop their kids off,” Kern said.

“A lot of schools organize events where a big group of the school will meet at some location … and then all walk together to school. So if you’re out and about you might see some big groups of students as well.”

One neighborhood gets special attention each year, with officials joining in. This time, it’s Sylvan Heights: A 
group traveling to Park Avenue Enhanced Option Elementary School
 will leave from the Nashville Ballet at 8 a.m.