Students Hit the Streets on Walk to School Day

On Wednesday, Oct. 9, thousands of students, parents and community members, including JMUES students, representing more than 3,800 schools across the United States walked and biked to school to celebrate International Walk to School Day. This one-day event is part of an international effort to encourage 
more families to enjoy the many benefits of safely walking and bicycling to school.

Schools and communities are bringing a level of excitement and commitment to the event that the founders could only have dreamed of back in 1997 when Walk to School Day began with a single school. Since then, Walk to School Day participation has grown every year, with the 4,281 events registered through www.walkbiketoschool.org in 2012, setting another record. Around the world, at least 40 countries celebrate International Walk to School Day and Month.

“Not only does Walk to School Day teach children about pedestrian safety, it also allows them to experience a different and healthy way to get to school,” said FHWA Administrator Victor Mendez. “I’m proud to support the thousands of parents, children and communities celebrating Walk to School Day.”

Walk to School events will be held nationwide throughout the month of October. To view the names and locations of registered U.S. schools participating in Walk to School Day 2013, visit the Walk to School Day website.

The National Center for Safe Routes to School maintains the Walk and Bike to School website, www.walkbiketoschool.org, with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Partners joining the National Center in the celebration include Let’s Move!, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.