Ice. Snow. Freezing temperatures. These are some of the many aspects winter brings to  some students as a result of walking long distances. Because Grosse Pointe is a walking district, more students are put at risk due to the cold temperatures, low visibility and ice.

Although walking home can serve as nothing more than a chore for many students, some are looking forward to spring to make the trip more enjoyable, relaxing and most importantly, safe.

According to Carly Gesell ’21, she walks to and from South for school and practices multiple times a day.

“I either walk or bike (to South),” Gesell said. “Sometimes it gets a little too cold, but I just have to get through it.”

Gesell said her biggest concern while walking home is the ice on the sidewalks, as it can be hazardous for pedestrians.

“I’ve slipped (on ice) while walking home several times,” Gesell said. “It can be extremely dangerous.”

Nationwide Children’s Hospital nurse Margo Saas said students who walk home in the cold are more likely to become sick.

“If you walk home a lot in the freezing cold, there is a higher chance you will get sick, whether that’d be the cold or flu, even hypothermia or pneumonia,” Saas said. “I highly recommend bundling up while walking home, especially in freezing temperatures.”

Because she cannot drive yet, Emma Stricker ’22 said she walks to and from school nearly  every day.

“I will have to walk (to and from school) until I have a parking spot in the S lot,” Stricker said. “(During winter, I fear when) it is really cold, just snowed or icy.”

According to Stricker, in January, she was concerned about getting hurt and sick because of the freezing temperatures, as she said she had gotten sick multiple occasions because of exposure to the cold for a long period of time.

“Slipping on ice or getting too cold, getting frostbite (are all dangers of winter),” Stricker said.

Walking home from school in spring will cause less complications and decrease the amount of walking time, according to Stricker.

“I am excited for spring,” Stricker said. “It will be easier to walk to school and the weather will be nicer.”

Saas said she encourages students to walk in the warmer weather, as walking home in nice conditions contains health benefits.

“Walking home (in spring) is very good for you,” Saas said. “It is a great opportunity for fresh air and exercise.”

Gesell also said she is eagerly waiting for spring to arrive, as it will be less dangerous to walk in the warmer, calmer weather.

“I’m so excited for the warm weather, I’ve never been happier,” Gesell said. “It’ll be much more safe for me and others.”