Photo: Darren Handschuh

The sidewalks were crowded near Ellison school in Vernon Wednesday morning as elementary students walked, rode or used scooters as part of the national iWalk program.

Older students led younger in a 'walking school bus'.

The program's goal is to get kids moving rather than sitting on a bus or getting a car ride.

Wendy Majewski, City of Vernon's transportation management co-ordinator, said the plan is to continue these walks on school days.

Majewski said student leaders would start the morning walk each day at 7:55 a.m. and kids would join the walking school bus along the way.

Vernon mayor Akbal Mund and councillors Juliette Cunningham, Catherine Lord and Scott Anderson were on hand for the first walk, leading dozens of Ellison Elementary School students along the sidewalk.

Cunningham also encouraged parents to sign up for the Pace Car Program where participants place a bright, yellow sticker on the bumper of their car encouraging people to drive the speed limit.

“I signed up for the Pace Car Program two years ago,” said Cunningham. “That means I am committed to going the speed limit, especially in school zones. It's very important in terms of safety for our children.”