MERRIMACK – From distracted drivers, to off-leash dogs, to construction work, some students who walk or bicycle to school on a daily basis encounter many potential perils.

Recognizing this, more than 50 James Mastricola Upper Elementary students, along with school faculty members, administrators and multiple officers from the Merrimack Police Department, gathered Wednesday for International Walk to School Day to promote health and safety.

The students joined those from more than 4,000 schools across the country. In New Hampshire alone, 17 schools participated, as noted by data from Walk & Bike to School, an affiliate of the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

The organization stated that Walk to School Day features communities from more than 40 countries walking and biking to school on the same day. The event began in 1997.

“Over time, this event has become part of a movement for year-round safe routes to school and a celebration – with record breaking participation – each October,” the organization’s website states. “Today, thousands of schools across America – from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico – participate every October.”

During last year’s event, James Mastricola Upper Elementary School physical education teacher and event organizer Rick Greenier told The Telegraph, “Walk to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community.”

In Merrimack, the walk also promotes a positive relationship among the school and the Merrimack Police Department, which is located just across the street from the school.

As in past years, multiple Merrimack police officers led an escort, while others walked with students.

This year, Detective Bill Vandersyde walked with the students, while getting an escort from two other officers.

The half-mile walk began promptly at 8:15 a.m. on McElwain Street and ended at the school’s gym.

According to Greenier, the school has been participating in the event since the 2004-05 school term. Greenier called this year’s walk a huge success, noting there was a bigger turnout than last year.

“It is awesome to have so much support, not only from our students, but from our staff and also the Merrimack Police Department. We are especially thankful for our relationship with the Merrimack Police Department,” Greenier said Wednesday.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.

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