Students walking, biking to school today

Carson City motorists should be particularly cautious today as children walk and bicycle to school as part of the first Nevada Moves Day.

The statewide event was proclaimed by Gov. Gibbons, with walking and bicycling to school events planned across Nevada.

"Physical activity at an early age, such as walking or bicycling to school, helps reduce heart disease, diabetes and other obesity-related diseases," NDOT State Safe Routes to School Coordinator Rebecca Kapuler said. "Plus, walking or biking to school can help reduce the up to 25 percent of morning rush hour traffic that involves children being dropped off at school."

Other benefits of Nevada Moves Day include teaching safe walking and bicycling skills to children, discussing concerns for the environment, reducing traffic-related congestion and air pollution near schools, and connecting families, schools and community leaders.

Parents and children are encouraged to discuss safe walking and bicycling practices and to plan walking and bicycling activities, whether part of an organized event or not.

Drivers should only pass bicyclists when it is legal and safe for both driver and bicyclist and should never pass another vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians.