Walk or Wheel into the New School Year with WoW!

By Vivaan Kuruganti and Margie Suozzo

GreenTown created the WoW! program to reduce the impact of fossil-fuel based transportation on the environment – fewer car trips means less air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions and to share the joys of walking and bicycling around town with residents. Not only does it feel good, but it’s good for you. For students, choosing to walk or wheel to school even a couple days a week is fun, supports focus in the classroom, helps protect the planet for the future, and boosts overall health.

Why Walk or Wheel?

Walking or biking to school offers a range of benefits for individuals and the community:

• Health & Focus: A bit of movement before school boosts energy, focus, and builds lifelong healthy habits.

• Traffic & Safety: Fewer cars at drop-off and pick-up times mean less congestion and safer streets.

• Environment: Reducing car trips cuts air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions—small changes that help protect the planet.

WoW! Momentum Is Growing

Last year, Los Altos schools saw strong participation in the WoW! program. Families discovered new walking and biking routes, enjoyed quiet mornings together, and noticed a calmer start to the day. This year, GreenTown is excited to keep that momentum going with the help of school partners, including parent volunteers.

Talk to your school about how they can implement prizes or fun activities with the WoW Program! Schools can offer a variety of items depending on what they choose such as pencils and stickers and other small prizes. If a school offers these they can collect them from the school's PTA lead. These tokens celebrate the effort it takes to choose a healthy, active way to get to school. 

WoW’s Benefits

GreenTown’s primary motivation for creating the WoW! program was to reduce the impact of fossil-fuel based transportation on the environment, and improve participants' health. Fewer car trips mean less air pollution and lower greenhouse gas emissions. More walks in the morning help open up the mind and can start the day with exercise. Choosing to walk or wheel, even a couple of days each week, is one way families can help protect the planet for the future and boost your overall health.

How to Get Started

Ready to WoW!? Here’s how:

• Prep your gear: Make sure bikes, scooters, and helmets are in good condition and that helmets fit properly.

• Practice the route: Before school starts, walk or ride the route with your child so they’re confident on day one.

• Start small: Aim for a couple of days per week and build from there.

• Travel with friends: Invite neighbors or classmates—walking school buses and bike trains are great ways to build community and stay safe.

• Stay connected: Look out for special WoW! Days and school-wide events. Parents, you can also support by volunteering or helping coordinate walking school buses or bike trains. Contact GreenTown or your school PTA to learn more.

WoW day at Gardner Bullis Elementary School

Whether your family walks a few blocks or bikes a few miles, every step and pedal stroke helps make our environment cleaner, safer, and more connected. Let’s keep up the momentum and make this year the best yet for walking and wheeling to school.

To help your kids get to school safety, Silicon Valley Youth Climate Actionis holding a Bicycle Safety Workshop for upper elementary and junior high students on August 23, 9:45am at the Los Altos Community Center. Register here.

For updated safety route maps, tips, or to get involved, visit the WoW! website or email info@greentownlosaltos.org.