ANKENY, Iowa- In honor of National Walk or Bike to School Day, the Ankeny Police Department and Ankeny Schools are partnering to encourage students to walk or bike to school Wednesday morning.

This is the 28th annual National Walk or Bike to School Day, but it’s the first year that Ankeny Schools are participating. Erin Kohlsdorf, the Safety Coordinator for Ankeny Schools, says the goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The initiative started with the Traffic Unit of the Ankeny Police Department. Sergeant James Wilson said he attended a national conference where he learned about National Walk or Bike to School Day. He decided to bring it home, because it raises awareness about the importance of safe routes for walking and biking, and it helps limit traffic.

Beginning 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., Ankeny Traffic Officers will be at five elementary schools to walk with students as they make their way to school. They will be at Abbie Grove Elementary, East Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Rock Creek Elementary, and Westwood Elementary.

Ankeny Police and Ankeny Schools are encouraging drivers to be extra cautious on the roads Wednesday morning as students make their way to school.