Schools across Iowa are getting ready to take part in this year’s Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day, and organizers are hoping to see even more communities join in.
So far, 50 Iowa schools have registered for the October event. The annual celebration encourages students, parents, teachers and community members to get outside and choose an active way to travel to school.
The event is also an opportunity for schools to focus on pedestrian and bicycle safety while encouraging healthy habits among students.
Iowa has become a national leader in participation. Over the past three Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day events, the state has ranked fifth in the nation for per-capita participation among all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Matt Burkey, director of Safe Routes to School for the Iowa Bicycle Coalition, says the strong participation reflects the commitment Iowa communities have to keeping children active and connected.
Schools can participate in a variety of ways. Some organize walking or biking groups, while others establish neighborhood meeting points where students and families can travel together.
There is still time to register. Teachers, parents, school administrators and community volunteers can organize an event and find planning resources at walkbiketoschool.org.
With 50 schools already signed up, Iowa is once again showing its support for safe, active transportation—and organizers hope even more schools will join the movement this October.
