For more information, contact:

Ted Burton, Public Relations Manager, 389-7550

Web site:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 8, 2000

CAPITAL METRO HELPING STUDENTS GET BACK TO SCHOOL SAFELY

Hundreds of Austin school children will learn how to walk, bike and ride the bus back to school safely Saturday, August 12^th. The 15^th annual Safe Walk to School program teaches parents and their kids safe walking and biking practices, how to follow instructions from crossing guards, and the correct way to board and exit buses.

Safe Walk to School happens Saturday at 9:00 a.m., at Rodriguez Elementary School. The school is located in southeast Austin at 4400 Franklin Park Drive. Everyone is invited.

This year’s program will feature Mayor Kirk Watson and his children, Peter Rieck, Director of the Public Works & Transportation Department, and Dr. Pat Forgione, Superintendent of A.I.S.D.

The event will feature plenty of events for children. The City of Austin Child Safety Program will take kids on a safe walk across Teri Road. The Super Cyclists will hold a bicycle rodeo and give away 50 free helmets for children who bring their bikes and participate in the rodeo. Capital Metro and A.I.S.D. will take kids on bus rides and talk to parents and children about safe bus riding practices.

The event is sponsored by Capital Metro, the City of Austin Child Safety Program, the Public Works and Transportation Department, the Austin Police Department, the Austin Safe Kids Coalition, AISD, the Austin/Travis County Super Cyclists, Trans Texas Alliance, and the Texas Department of Transportation.

For more information, call Chris Moore, Child Safety Program Coordinator, 499-7273, or Ted Burton, Public Relations Manager, Capital Metro.