Port Byron students celebrated National Walk to School Day with an energetic, police-escorted stroll through the village.
On September 29, dozens of students, families, and staff gathered at the Port Byron Public Library to kick off the annual event, which encourages healthy habits, pedestrian safety, and stronger community connections. The walk was organized with support from the Cayuga County Health Department.
Officers join the walk
Escorting the group to school were School Resource Officer Roden and members of the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Department, including Deputy Forgham, Deputy Elinwood, Capt. Chadwick, Officer Hermann, and Officer Ruzicka. Their presence not only ensured safety, but also gave students a chance to meet and engage with local officers in a positive setting.
Kids participated in an interactive “Safe Walk to School” bingo activity along the way, helping them practice road rules while staying active.
More than just a walk
National Walk to School Day — officially observed on October 8 — is about more than getting to class on foot. It highlights the value of daily physical activity, pedestrian safety, and accessible infrastructure. For communities like Port Byron, it’s also a way to build relationships between schools, families, and local leaders.
Organizers say active travel helps kids build strong bones and muscles, boosts focus in class, and forms lifelong healthy habits. It also benefits the wider community by reducing traffic and fostering safer, more connected neighborhoods.
Thanks to the combined efforts of families, educators, law enforcement, and public health officials, Port Byron’s walk was a step in the right direction — for both students and the community.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].