Gustafson students hoof it to school in Batavia

International Walk to School Month advocates would love Bridget Ball's parents.

"I only get a ride if it is thundering or lightning," the fifth-grader said Thursday after putting her bicycle in the rack at Alice Gustafson Elementary School in Batavia.

Walk-to-school proponent Dianne Peterson, a volunteer at the school, was handing out bananas and encouraging words to walkers (and bicyclists, and those who rode scooters). She was joined by Batavia firefighters and schools Superintendent Jack Barshinger. It is the second year in a row Peterson has arranged the effort at Alice Gustafson.

The international effort began in 1994 in Great Britain. Some walks rally to create safe routes to school, others for the environment and some to improve children's health, according to iwalktoschool.com, the official Web site of International Walk to School Month.

Peterson asked students why it is good to walk to school instead of being driven, and reminded them of several reasons. "It helps the environment and it saves your mommy money on gas," she said.

A couple of boys looked a little skeptical when she told them that the walk "kick-starts your brain and helps you do better in school."

Jen Meiring walks her son, kindergartner Ethan, to school most mornings, pushing a double stroller containing her younger son, Owen, and a boy she takes care of. She comes back with Owen midmorning to pick up Ethan. "He (Owen) always wants to walk because he gets to ride his bike or scooter," she said. "It is playtime to them."

The majority of students live too close to the school to be eligible for busing; only one school bus drops kids off.

Trader Joe's donated the bananas, and fruit roll-ups that Peterson handed out last week.

Just because the month is ending doesn't mean Peterson, who is a member of the Batavia Environmental Commission, is giving up.

"I might surprise them (the walkers) some other time," she said.