Lansing, MI - Michigan students will join children from around the globe to celebrate Walk & Roll to School Day (WR2SD) on Wednesday, October 4. Started in 1997 by the Partnership for a Walkable America, WR2SD has grown to an international event that takes place in over 40 countries worldwide.
The event is being promoted by Safe Routes to School (SRTS) at Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF), a federally legislated program administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). SRTS programs are designed to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children and their families to walk, roll and bike to school.
“Participating in Walk & Roll to School Day encourages healthy living. This is a fun opportunity for communities to not only exercise together, but also to develop a culture of safe walking and biking to school,” said MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam. “This event is often the first step for schools to jumpstart a Safe Routes to School initiative that can sustain friendlier environments for students on their way to school.”
As a component of SRTS programming, WR2SD emphasizes the importance of pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, concern for the environment and is a way for families, schools, and the broader community to connect.
“Walk and Roll to School Day helps highlight active transportation methods that students can realistically take to school,” said MDOT Office of Economic Development Administrator Mike Kapp. “The event demonstrates how schools and communities can come together to increase awareness around safety and equity around walking, rolling, and biking to school.”
WR2SD events can be as straightforward or as grand as schools want to plan — from simply inviting students to walk to school, to hosting a pedestrian parade, or organizing a walking school bus.
There is still time for schools to register for the event, and all registered schools receive planning assistance from MFF SRTS program staff. To register, visit https://saferoutesmichigan.org/walk-to-school-day/.