(Salt Lake City, UT) - The Utah Department of UDOT announced two local students in St. George have won bikes, scooters and helmets for walking or biking to school during September as part of the Student Neighborhood Access Program’s (SNAP)™ annual “Walk More in Four” statewide competition.

"Walk More in Four" encouraged all Utah K-8 students to walk or bike to school at least three days each week during the four weeks in September leading up to International Walk to School Day, Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

Nearly 4,000 students statewide, representing 22 school districts and 76 schools, charted their progress for a chance to win the donated prizes.

Panorama Elementary - Braden Archibald, Kindergarten, Bike and Helmet

Sunrise Ridge Intermediate - K’Jahna Plant, 6th Grade, Scooter and Helmet

Robert Hull, UDOT Director of Traffic and Safety said, “We commend these exemplary students for starting the school year off on the right foot by walking and biking to school and for setting a good example for their peers statewide. Students who continue to walk and ride their bikes to school not only stay active but also help reduce traffic congestion around schools, making these areas safer.”

Nationwide, the number of students walking and biking to school has significantly decreased in recent decades. In 1969, approximately 50 percent of children walked or biked to school. Today, that number has dropped below 15 percent.

UDOT SNAP’s goal is to increase the number of students walking and biking to school, making the roads around schools safer and encouraging these healthy activities. Throughout the school year, parents can help their children practice safe walking and biking habits by discussing the following safety tips:

• Follow the safest route to school using the school’s SNAP Map.

• Walk with a buddy or group.

• Walk on sidewalks where possible.

• Look left, then right, then left again when crossing a street.

• Cross only at crosswalks. Obey directions from school crossing guards, and walk bikes and scooters across crosswalks.

• Always wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter. Make sure the helmet has a safety certification and fits properly.

• Wear bright clothing, especially when riding a bicycle or scooter, to make it easier for traffic to see you, or tie a bright handkerchief around your backpack.

• Never walk or ride with headphones. They are distracting and keep you from hearing traffic.

More tips and resources are available to parents and school administrators at udot.utah.gov/snap.