ST. PAUL, Minn. – Thousands of students in more than 200
schools across Minnesota will participate in International Walk and Bike to
School Day Oct. 4. The annual event, sponsored by Minnesota Safe Routes to
School, encourages students and parents to get outside, increase their physical
activity, teach pedestrian and bicycle safety, reduce traffic congestion and
strengthen connections between families, schools and communities while walking
and biking to school.
“Walking and biking to school or work are great ways to skip
traffic, get a little exercise and enjoy beautiful Minnesota,” said Lt.
Governor Tina Smith. “I encourage Minnesota students and their families to
participate in Walk and Bike to School Day on Oct. 4. I hope to see you out
there.”
Dave Cowan, Walk and Bike to School Day coordinator, said
this day gets families, schools and communities thinking about what it might be
like if students in their neighborhoods walked and bicycled to school
year-round.
“The result is transformative,” said Cowan. “Safely walking
and bicycling is an important life skill we should be teaching our youth. This
day is a great way to encourage students to use that knowledge all through
their lives while building physical activity into their daily routine.”
He said schools can register their Walk and Bike to School
Day event at www.walkbiketoschool.org.
Participants can also join in the Walk to School Day photo
contest by submitting photos on the MnSRTS Facebook page with the hashtag
#mnwalks. Learn more at www.mnsaferoutestoschool.org
under the current programs tab.
Cowan said the event is an opportunity for children who
typically ride a school bus and those who live in areas with bike friendly
paths to school to walk and bike to school. Many schools participate in a
“walking school bus” event by arranging for school buses to drop off students
at a nearby park or other safe locations to finish the trip on foot. The
drop-off option also can be used for students who are usually driven to school
in private vehicles.
Walk to School Day also encourages parents and community
members to begin thinking about the walkability and bikeability of their
neighborhoods. A walkability checklist helps walkers assess what makes the
walking environment inviting and safe, and identify existing barriers. After
the assessment, schools and communities can work to make a plan for
improvements.
For more information, visit www.walkbiketoschool.org.
