Third-grader Stephen Rice, 8, rides in to school as students cheer and hold supportive signs early morning Oct. 8. Photos by Leslie Truluck.

AVALON - Wednesday, Oct. 8, is "National Walk or Ride Your Bike to School Day," which is held every October to promote health and fitness among students and faculty at schools across the nation, including Avalon Elementary School.

Physical Education teacher Patti Fottrell said this is the third consecutive year Avalon has participated.

Students cheered and held up encouraging signs as others peddled and strode to the "finish line" outside the school early in the morning.

Participants received a "fitness charm" to add to their "fitness charm necklaces" as part of the school's fitness reward system.

View more photos of this event in the Herald's Oct. 15 print edition.

For more information visit: www.walktoschool.org.