Students on the move this morning

Students in Carson City will join hundreds of others throughout the state today in walking or biking to and from school as part of the third annual Nevada Moves Day.

Safe Routes to School Coordinator Rebecca Kapuler encouraged motorists to be alert.

"I would encourage drivers to be mindful that there might be more kids out on the road," she said. "We are expecting a good turnout."

Children who participate will be entered into a raffle and will be given tips on safe bicycle and pedestrian commuting.

"Kids will not just have a fun experience but will maybe learn some rules of the road," Kapuler explained.

And, she said, Nevada Moves Day - as declared by Gov. Brian Sandoval - comes at the perfect time with standardized tests also being administered today.

"Kids who exercise and eat a healthy breakfast get to school ready to learn," she said.

Bill Story, Safe Routes to School program manager, said the lessons learned today will form a foundation for a healthier future.

"Whether as part of an organized event or not, Nevada Moves Day is an opportunity to help children learn more about pedestrian and bicycling safety," he said. "And, whether it's for Nevada Moves Day or part of a daily routine, physical activity at an early age, such as walking or bicycling, helps reduce heart disease, diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses. Plus, walking or biking to school can lessen up to 25 percent of morning rush-hour traffic that results from children being driven to school."