Ludington Schools to observe Walk to School Day Wednesday.

Ludington Schools to observe Walk to School Day Wednesday.

Oriole News is a presentation of Ludington Area School District in partnership with Mason County Press.

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief.

LUDINGTON — On Wednesday, Oct. 6, Ludington Area School District will participate in National Walk to School Day. During the event, walking routes are being organized for all students, including those who typically ride buses into school. 

“Events like this are such an important part of keeping our community informed, safe and active,” said Alison Helminski, OJ DeJonge Middle School physical education teacher. 

“With the opening of the new elementary complex, there will be a lot of changes to walking and bicycle routes,” Helminski said. “It’s really important that students, parents and the general public get used to these routes and take some time to review school zone safety.” 

Carl Lindenau, OJ DeJonge Middle School physical education teacher, and Erika Etchison, physical education teacher at Lakeview and Franklin elementary schools, joined Helminski to discuss the event and safe walking. 

“Pedestrians are always encouraged to walk on sidewalks as much as possible,” Lindenau said. “But, there are some places in town where there aren’t sidewalks, especially by the new school. Pedestrians need to understand that when they are walking on the street they need to walk against traffic. Bicycles, on the other hand, need to travel with traffic.” 

Etchison said drop off and pick up zones can be areas of additional congestion and confusion for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. “Everyone needs to be paying attention in these areas,” she said. “Drivers shouldn’t be on their phones and should be alert. At the same time, pedestrians and bicyclists need to also pay attention and not be distracted on their mobile devices.” 

Those interested in participating in the walk to school event are asked to be at the meeting places at 7 a.m. with a 7:15 a.m. departure. Planned routes include: 

Planned routes:

• Foster Elementary.

Meet 7 to 7:15 a.m. at the pavilion at Waterfront Park near the sculptures. Depart at 7:15 a.m. and walk east on Filer Street to Foster Elementary School, .5 mile.

• Lakeview Elementary.

Meet 7 to 7:15 a.m. at Oriole field. Depart at 7:15 a.m. and walk south on Ferry Street, east on Haight Street to Lakeview Elementary School, .25 mile.

• Franklin Elementary.

Meet 7 to 7:15 a.m. at Prayer and Praise Assembly of God parking lot, 509 N. Staffon St. (corner of Staffon and Mitchell streets). Depart at 7:15 a.m. and walk south on Staffon Street, west on Anderson Street, .20 mile.

• OJ DeJonge Middle School and Ludington High School.

Meet 7 to 7:15 a.m. at the soccer fields at Bryant Road and Longfellow Street. Depart at 7:15 a.m. and walk east on Longfellow Street, south on Washington Avenue, .5 mile.

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