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National Walk and Bike to School Day

Ditch the car and lace up your sneakers for National Walk and Bike to School Day - get some exercise while reducing traffic and pollution!
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Category
Health
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Country
United States
Creator
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Founded

Introduction

On the first Wednesday in October, get ready to lace up your walking shoes or hop on your bike for National Walk and Bike to School Day! This annual event encourages students to ditch the car and embrace a more active mode of transportation. It began in 1997 as a one-day event in Chicago and has since grown into a global movement, with over 40 countries participating. Not only is it a fun way to start the day, but it also promotes physical activity, reduces traffic congestion, and helps create safer streets for everyone. So let's hit the pavement together and make our commute to school an enjoyable one!

History of National Walk and Bike to School Day

National Walk and Bike to School Day Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1997</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Holiday Inception</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Walk and Bike to School Day started as a one-day event in Chicago, aiming to create safer routes for students, promote physical activity and lesson traffic congestion.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recognition</div><div class='timeline-text'>The event gained National attention in the U.S, encouraging schools across the country to participate and promote healthier, sustainable commute options.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2006</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>International Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text '>The event expanded beyond U.S borders to other countries, making it an international movement promoting active commuting for children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class 'timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Safe Routes to School</div><div class='timeline-text '>Increased efforts on the "Safe Routes to School" program by communities across U.S., focusing on engineering safer streets and paths for children.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>20th Anniversary Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text '>National Walk and Bike to School Day celebrated its 20th anniversary, with a record number of registered events across more than 40 countries.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Growth</div><div class='timeline-text '>The event continues to be celebrated annually, encouraging children, parents, and communities to prioritize active and safe commuting.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate National Walk and Bike to School Day

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a walking or biking group</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some friends and classmates and organize a group to walk or bike to school together. This will make the journey more fun and encourage others to join in.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a scavenger hunt</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Make the walk or bike ride to school more exciting by creating a scavenger hunt along the way. Include fun items to find, like certain flowers or street signs, and have a prize for the first person to complete the hunt.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Have a bike decorating contest</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage students to decorate their bikes with streamers, balloons, and other fun decorations. Have a contest for the most creative and unique bike, and give out prizes to the winners.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plan a healthy breakfast potluck</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>After the walk or bike ride to school, have a healthy breakfast potluck with your classmates. This is a great way to refuel after exercising and also promotes healthier eating habits.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Invite local officials to join</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Reach out to local officials, such as the mayor or city council members, and invite them to join in on the walk or bike ride to school. This not only promotes the event, but also raises awareness for the importance of safe walking and biking routes in the community.</p></div></div>

Why We Love National Walk and Bike to School Day

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes an active lifestyle</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Walk and Bike to School Day encourages children and parents to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine. It promotes a healthier lifestyle and can instill good habits for the future.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reduces traffic and pollution</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By walking or biking to school, families can reduce the number of cars on the road and help decrease carbon emissions. This helps create a safer environment for everyone, including those who have to drive to school.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages community involvement</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Walk and Bike to School Day brings together children, parents, teachers, and community members in a shared activity. It fosters a sense of community and can lead to stronger relationships between neighbors.</p></div></div>

5 Amazing Facts For Walk-Bike School Day

National Walk and Bike to School Day FAQs

When is National Walk and Bike to School Day?

National Walk and Bike to School Day Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Oct 4

Wednesday

2024

Oct 2

Wednesday

2025

Oct 1

Wednesday

2026

Oct 7

Wednesday

2027

Oct 6

Wednesday

Health Holidays