Several local organizations are asking parents of Lawrence students to help improve walking and biking pathways to elementary and middle schools.

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department announced in a recent news release that parents can provide feedback on their experiences of transporting their children to school through a 14-question online survey. The survey results will be used at an open house next month for a planning session on the topic, according to the news release.

The survey is available on the health department website, ldchealth.org/266/Be-Active-Safe-Routes. Parents are asked to complete the survey by Oct. 4.

Parents will also have the opportunity to share feedback during the open house, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Flory Building of the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.

“We all want the best for every child, and biking and walking to school is beneficial to personal health, educational outcomes and the environment,” said Sarah Hartsig, community health planner for the health department. “The survey and the November open house are the chances for parents to share their own experiences with us and help us find solutions to improve the experience and opportunity for all students to be able to walk and bike to school.”

The event is also sponsored by the City of Lawrence, Douglas County, the Lawrence school district and the Lawrence-Douglas County Metropolitan Planning Commission.