October 1-31

International Walk To School Month

Get ready to lace up your shoes and join the movement - it's International Walk To School Month, promoting health, safety, and sustainability!

Yearly Date

October 1

Observed

Internationally

Introduction

Get your walking shoes ready because October 1 marks the start of International Walk To School Month! This global event was first established in 1997 and aims to promote physical activity, environmental awareness, and safer routes for children to walk to school. It's a great opportunity for kids to get some exercise while also reducing traffic congestion and pollution around schools. Plus, it's a fun way to start off the day with some fresh air and socializing with friends. So let's lace up our sneakers and hit the pavement for this month-long celebration!

International Walk To School Month Timeline

1994

Origins of the Movement

The "Walk Our Children to School Day" initiative is organized in Chicago, focusing on bringing light to the need for safer and improved streets.

1997

UK's Walk to School Day

The UK holds its first Walk to School Day in partnership with Green Communities, setting the stage for an international event.

2000

Canada's First Walk To School Day

Green Communities Canada organizes the first Canadian Walk to School Day, attracting more than 100,000 participants across the country.

2006

International Walk To School Month

The event expands from a day to a whole month, becoming International Walk To School Month, promoting longer-term active transportation habits.

2010

Massive Global Participation

Over 40 countries participate in International Walk To School Month, reaching millions of walkers from around the globe.

2021

Online Adaptation

Due to COVID-19, many schools adapt by encouraging virtual walks, maintaining the spirit of the event during challenging times.

How to Celebrate International Walk To School Month

1 Organize a walking group

Gather some friends and classmates to form a walking group to school. This will make the walk more fun and enjoyable, and also promote safety in numbers.

2 Decorate your walking route

Get creative and decorate your walking route with colorful signs, chalk drawings, or even balloons to make the walk more exciting and festive.

3 Track your steps

Encourage students to track their steps with a pedometer or fitness tracker. Set goals and reward those who reach them, making the walk to school a fun and interactive challenge.

4 Plan a scavenger hunt

Create a scavenger hunt along the walking route to school. This will keep students engaged and make the walk more interactive and enjoyable.

5 Host a walking-themed event

Organize a walking-themed event at school, such as a walk-a-thon or a nature walk, to promote the benefits of walking and celebrate International Walk To School Month.

Why We Love International Walk To School Month

It promotes a healthy lifestyle

Walking to school is a simple and fun way for kids to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. It can improve cardiovascular health and help maintain a healthy weight. Plus, walking with friends or family can also be a great social experience!

It's beneficial for the environment

Transportation is one of the largest contributors to air pollution, so by walking to school instead of using a car, it helps reduce carbon emissions and contributes to a healthier planet. It also helps reduce traffic congestion around schools.

It's a chance to spend quality time with family/neighbors

Walking to school can be an opportunity for parents and neighbors to bond with each other and their children. It allows for conversations and connections that may not happen inside a car or at the school drop-off point. Plus, it's a great way to start the day!