(Spencer)– Findings of a study conducted earlier this summer to identify safe routes for children to walk or ride bike to and from school will be announced this coming Monday, August 29th at 12 Noon in the lower level of Spencer Hospital. A lunch will be provided.
Spencer was one of 12 Iowa communities that participated in the I-WALK study, a joint venture involving the Iowa Department of Public Health and Iowa State University Extension.
Online mapping technologies and global positioning systems were used in the study, and a smartphone application was created to implement safety improvements and route updates for the program.
The study also involved teacher tallies of their students modes of transportation to and from school to establish baseline information. Students in grades 3 to 5 and their parents completed an online survey. Parents were asked to map barriers, such as no sidewalks, no crossing guard, state highway to cross, and opportunities for simple improvements, such as bike racks.
Those planning to attend Monday’s event need to pre-register by contacting Lois Stillman at Spencer Hospital at 264-6505.
