Department of
Health & Human Services

Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department) invites school-aged children and their families to participate in Walk to School Week, taking place Monday, March 20 through Friday, March 24. This year’s theme is Walking Rainbows and students are encouraged to walk their morning commute to school to promote safety and visibility while walking.

“Walk to School Week builds a sense of community among school kids in Long Beach and is one of many ways the City is prioritizing pedestrian safety and an active lifestyle for all residents,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “We encourage kids and their families to join us in promoting healthy habits during this week.”

This year, Long Beach Walk to School Week will provide pedestrian rodeos, where students can grow their knowledge of street safety and practice pedestrian safety skills in a fun and non-competitive atmosphere. Walking school buses (when students walk in a line with school bus themed banners) and other popup events will also happen on select campuses. The Health Department has also partnered with Long Beach Unified School District to provide material and resources that promote physical activity and healthy eating. During Long Beach Walk to School Week, students and their families are encouraged to leave their cars at home and choose a more active alternative.

“We’re excited to bring together our community partners and families to get up and moving,” said Health Department Director Kelly Colopy. “Walking to school is both physically and mentally beneficial and can help kids start their school days on the right foot."

Long Beach Walk to School Week emphasizes the importance of increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community.

Long Beach Walk to School Week is organized by the Health Department, led by the Healthy Active Long Beach and the Walk and Roll Long Beach program teams in partnership with the Long Beach Police Department, Long Beach Unified School District, Safe Moves and other community partners. It is funded through grants received from the California Office of Traffic Safety (Bike and Pedestrian Safety) and the California Department of Health and Human Services (CalFresh Healthy Living). California’s CalFresh Healthy Living, with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-USDA SNAP, produced this material. These institutions are equal opportunity providers and employers. For important nutrition information, visit www.CalFreshHealthyLiving.org.