LANSING, MI — Michigan students will join children from around the globe to celebrate Walk & Roll to School Day (WR2SD) on Wednesday, October 12. 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. It is a simple way for students, teachers, and civic leaders to get moving and to see how they can develop a culture of walking and biking to school,” said MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam. “The event is a great way to build local momentum for a Safe Routes to School initiative that helps communities create a more friendly active transportation environment.”
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.
“We always look forward to Walk and Roll to School Day as a way to highlight opportunities for young people to get to school using active transportation methods,” 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.”
Formerly called Walk to School Day, the name change acknowledges inclusion and equity by encouraging all students to safely walk, bike, or roll to school by being active through whatever means they choose. In addition to the official day, many communities choose to designate the entire month as an acknowledgement to active transportation.
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 saferoutesmichigan.org/walk-to-school-day.
About Michigan Fitness Foundation
The mission of Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports is to inspire active lifestyles and healthy food choices through education, environmental change, community events and policy leadership. For more information, visit michiganfitness.org.
About Safe Routes to School
The federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program was created by Congress in August 2005 as part of the federal transportation bill, SAFETEA-LU. Currently, SRTS activities are eligible for Transportation Alternatives program funding as authorized by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST ACT) in December 0f 2015. Michigan’s SRTS program is managed by the Michigan Department of Transportation with support from Michigan Fitness Foundation. SRTS grant funds can support both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. For more information, visit saferoutesmichigan.org.
About Michigan Department of Transportation
Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for Michigan’s nearly 10,000-mile state highway system, comprised of all M, I, and US-routes. It is the backbone of Michigan’s 120,000-mile highway, road, and street network. For more information, visit michigan.gov/mdot/travel/safety.