RALEIGH - As the weather is getting better, the state Department of Transportation is organizing National Bike to School Day to help students and teachers get to their schools safely. Ed Johnson, Safe Routes coordinator, says the hope is to promote the benefits of biking or walking to school instead of driving.

"We all used to walk and bike to school when we were younger and we're trying to redevelop that habit," Johnson says. "Studies have shown that it's healthier for a child to receive that kind of physical activity in the morning and in the afternoon."

National Bike to School Day is May 6. Johnson says not all schools, particularly those in heavy-traffic areas, do not have easy access for bikers or walkers so schools can organize in other ways.

"If the opportunity is not there, then we encourage the students and the staff of the school to have a 'Walk or Bike at School' event," Johnson says. "Again, this is promoting a healthier lifestyle for those children to participate in."

At the website for the event, walkbiketoschool.org, Johnson says there are guides and a place to register but says there's also a map to show where other community walking and biking events are being held.

"It shows where the events are occurring and who the points of contact are so you can be encouraged to participate or organize your own event," he says.

And Johnson hopes this habit extends beyond the May 6 official date because he says there are numerous benefits to biking and walking instead of driving.

"It's for a cleaner environment, for community benefits," he says. "It creates a sense of community and improving so many of the neighborhood connections throughout the state of North Carolina."