U.S. Students Participate in International Walk to School Day

  Students across the state skipped the bus Wednesday to take part in international Walk to School Day.

Photo: U.S. Students Participate in International Walk to School Day

  The annual event raises awareness about safe walking and biking routes and urges children to increase their physical activity.

  Participating schools organized different ways to encourage students and families to get involved. At Baucom elementary in Apex, families participate in a year-long walking incentive program.

  At Ponderosa elementary in Fayetteville, students walked in memory of 13-year-old Phuong Tran. He was struck and killed in 2007 as he crossed Bonanza Drive. Following Tran's death, the DOT approved a petition to install a traffic light with a crosswalk at that location.

  Initially the Walk to School Campaign is a British campaign promoting the benefits of walking to school. It is a founder member of the IWALK (International Walk to School) organisation.

  The campaign is run by the charities Living streets and Travelwise. It receives funding from the Department for Transport and Transport for London, according to WRAL.com.