Students at Hawkins Elementary School, part of the Jefferson School District, participated in National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day on Monday, demonstrating their pedestrian and biking skills. The event, nationally recognized on October 7, was rescheduled for Monday in Tracy due to local school districts being on fall break.
Tracy Police Department officers and crews from the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority were present at the campus entrance to greet students. As part of the day's recognition, stickers were distributed to students upon their arrival. Families who typically drive their children to school were encouraged to drop them off a block or so away, allowing students to walk the final portion of their journey to the campus.
Following the students' arrival to their classes, an assembly was held to provide essential safety information. During this assembly, Police Chief Sekou Millington, Officer Tim Brown, and members of the South San Joaquin County Fire Authority delivered pedestrian and bike safety tips. They also presented special safety precautions specifically for Halloween trick-or-treating, addressing a timely concern for the students. After the assembly concluded, students were given the opportunity to view police cruisers up close and engage with the officers by asking questions.
Hawkins Elementary School has a long-standing tradition of participating in National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day, having done so for more than 10 years.
The Tracy Police Department offered several crucial tips for students who walk or ride to school. Students were advised to plan their routes carefully, prioritizing roads that offer sidewalks or designated paths away from heavy vehicle traffic. If sidewalks are unavailable, the department recommended walking against traffic, keeping as far to the left as possible to enhance visibility for drivers. For those riding bicycles, the police department emphasized the importance of always riding on the right side of the road, moving in the same direction as vehicles.
Furthermore, wearing a properly fitted helmet was highlighted as a mandatory safety measure for anyone riding or rolling. When crossing streets, students were instructed to use marked crosswalks at stop signs or traffic signals. In instances where marked crosswalks are absent, the guidance was to cross at street corners. A fundamental rule shared was to always look left, then right, then left again before stepping into the street. The police department also urged students to make direct eye contact with drivers before crossing, cautioning against the assumption that a driver sees them.
Visibility plays a key role in pedestrian and bike safety; thus, wearing bright clothing during daylight hours and utilizing reflective materials or a flashlight when it is dark was strongly recommended. Finally, students were reminded to stay alert and avoid electronic devices that could distract them by taking their eyes and ears off the road.
