NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - Newport News Mayor Phillip Jones, Tidewater AAA and more city officials spoke at Stoney Run Elementary for National Walk & Roll to School Day Wednesday morning. The day is all about highlighting the benefits of walking and biking, as well as to raise awareness for the need of safe routes to school. "It's vital that we foster a culture of awareness among both pedestrians and our drivers in school zones," Jones said. "We must all pay attention, recognizing that our actions have consequences." Walk to School Day happens every year on the first Wednesday of the first full week in October. The day, which started in 1997, invites communities from over 40 countries to walk and bike to school. Surveys collected from schools who participated have said the event has led to long-term walking and rolling programs, new sidewalks and pathways and new policy changes at schools and communities. Tidewater AAA representative Ryan Adcock said there were 33 pedestrian fatalities in Hampton Roads throughout 2023. Watching where you walk: Experts see surge in pedestrian fatalities across Hampton Roads "And so far in the first eight months of 2024, there have been 18," Adcock added. "We must do better to see these numbers decrease and eventually be zero." Many kids walked or biked to Stoney Run Wednesday morning, each greeted with a high five from Mayor Jones and Newport News Police. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Commonwealth continues to rank as one of the top two states for Walk to School Day registrations. City officials want to remind pedestrians to look both ways when crossing the street and remind motorists to not drive distracted. For more information and to register for events throughout the month of October, click here.