Walktober challenge promotes walking across San Luis Obispo County
– San Luis Obispo Regional Rideshare, a division of the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments, has launched its annual Walktober challenge to encourage residents and visitors to replace short driving trips with walking or other alternative transportation throughout October.
The challenge includes walking, carpooling, vanpooling, riding transit, and biking. Events scheduled during the month include pop-up breakfasts, International Walk to School Day, and Rideshare Week.
Rideshare Week will take place from Oct. 6 to 10, with Walk to School Day on Oct. 8. New this year, SLO Rideshare will host three pop-up breakfasts for walkers and bikers: Oct. 15 at Atascadero City Hall, Oct. 22 on the Shell Beach Shared-Use Path, and Oct. 29 on the San Luis Obispo Railroad Safety Trail. Each breakfast will be held from 7:45 to 9:15 a.m.
“This October, SLOCOG invites all residents to make walking part of their daily routine. We hope everyone will take this opportunity to step outside, breathe easier, and explore our county on foot. It is especially exciting to have the addition of Pop-up Breakfasts for walkers and bikers. The community asked for more events like these, and we were able to deliver,” said SLOCOG Executive Director Pete Rodgers.
According to Rideshare, more than 75 percent of commuters in San Luis Obispo County drive alone, which contributes to traffic congestion, air pollution and negative health impacts. Walking, biking, transit, carpooling and vanpooling are encouraged to reduce that number. To support participation, Rideshare is offering one free single-day regional transit pass per person, valid on all routes in the county.
As part of the Walktober festivities, International Walk to School Day on Oct. 8 will include participation from 39 schools across the county. Rideshare’s Safe Routes to School Program will coordinate the event and provide snacks and prizes for students who walk or roll to school.
Commuters can log their alternative trips at iRideshare.org for a chance to win prizes. Participants who log at least eight trips will receive a Rideshare beanie. The top three individuals who log trips will be able to choose from a grand prize. Trip logging is available throughout the year at iRideshare.org, and commuters are rewarded for participation beyond Rideshare Week.
For more information, residents can follow @slorideshare on Instagram.
