Michigan Students Get Ready for Walk & Roll to School Day

LANSING, Mich. - Sept. 30, 2022 - PRLog -- Michigan students will join thousands of neighborhoods 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. Designed as an educational and enjoyable event, it brings students, families, teachers, residents, city leaders, and elected officials together to support active travel.

The event is being promoted statewide by Safe Routes to School (SRTS) at Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF). SRTS is 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."

There is still time for more schools to register and participate in the event. All registered schools will receive planning assistance from MFF SRTS program staff. Visit https://saferoutesmichigan.org/walk-to-school-day for details.