Schools encouraged to participate in International
Walk to School Day
Event promotes healthy lifestyles and respect for the environment

[September 26, 2015]  SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Board of Education are partnering to encourage schools throughout the state to participate in the annual International Walk to School Day event on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

The worldwide event is an opportunity to ensure that children can safely walk to school, while encouraging them to improve their health and consider the environment in their daily routine.

“This event benefits everyone and it is great to see students learning about healthy lifestyles and alternative travel options,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “We encourage students statewide to participate in this event by walking to school.”

This event originated in Chicago in 1997 as National Walk our Children to School Day, in an effort to create community awareness about making it safe for children to walk to school.

“It is our pleasure to get behind this important day that teaches healthy choices and stresses student safety,” said State Superintendent of Education Tony Smith, Ph.D. “We can’t take these elements for granted and expect our children to be ready and eager to learn once they arrive in the classroom.”

Schools planning to participate in the event are encouraged to spend time instructing students on pedestrian safety beforehand.

Visit www.walkbiketoschool.org  for registration information. Click here for a list of participating Illinois schools.

Schools throughout the country held more than 4,700 International Walk to School Day events in 2014.

[Illinois Department of Transportation]