New Ulm Police Chief Daivd Borchert and his wife Karrie Borchert help kids cross at the crosswalk outside Southpoint Recreation Center during Walk or Bike to School Day. Submitted photo

NEW ULM – On May 6, students from Jefferson Elementary, New Ulm Middle School, River Bend, St. Anthony and St. Paul all participated in the annual spring Walk to School Day.

The Heart of New Ulm’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Action Team promotes Walk or Bike to School Day every fall and spring.

As part of the Wednesday morning activity, New Ulm law enforcement officers were on hand to “ticket” kids they spotted walking, rolling or bicycling with safety in mind, such as wearing their bicycle helmets.

The “tickets” were actually coupons for free ice cream at Mn Eis. New Ulm Police plan to continue this ticketing initiative in the community all summer long to reward kids for their safe behaviors.

Kaitlin Gawrisch, community health improvement coordinator for the Heart of New Ulm, said, “There are so many benefits for kids in walking or bicycling to school. It not only nurtures physical health, but also creates opportunities to connect with others. My own kids walk to school many days. I treasure the moments to connect with them when we walk together, and I appreciate the sense of community they get from walking with their friends and neighbors too.”

For the Dolan family of New Ulm, their three children Silas, Gretchen and Gus walk to school almost every day.

Gretchen, 10, said, “Our rule is, below five (degrees), we drive. Sometimes I don’t want to walk in the morning, but I’m always glad when we get going. On the way home I always like to walk because we see so many of our friends.”

Sarah Dolan said walking to and from school helps ensure her kids get those important activity minutes in. She’s noticed many other benefits, too.

“We notice fewer behavior issues at home and at school when our kids get enough physical activity,” said Sarah. “Often, our kids walk themselves to school now and it’s a great way to build independence, learn to plan ahead and learn to manage their time well.”

Research has shown that walking or bicycling to school helps kids arrive to school focused and ready to learn. Getting activity through walking and bicycling helps reduce behavior problems and helps kids settle in for learning during the school day. Research also shows that extra focus and behavioral control in the classroom has led to higher test scores for regular walkers and bicyclists.

The Dolan boys Gus, 9, and Silas, 12, would agree.

“I like to stretch my legs before sitting at school, said Gus. “It helps me sit still better at school.”

Silas said, “I like to walk to school. It wakes me up and I think I do better all day with I get exercise first thing in the morning. I focus better at school for sure.”

Gawrisch said, “We are so blessed to live in a community that is dedicated to creating a culture of wellness and connection, Walk to School Day is the perfect example of that. Plus, I want my kids to grow up and be able to say, ‘I had to walk to school uphill, both ways!’ At least half of it will be true!”