It’s that time again – International Walk to School Day (IWTSD) is right around the corner. On October 10, 2018 kids across the globe will be hitting the sidewalks for the 22nd annual IWTSD.
There are so many great benefits that come with walking to school. It fosters a feeling of independence and confidence, with kids learning to be vigilant and self-aware. Chatting with neighbors and waving hello to others develops a stronger sense of community. Less traffic congestion leads to a safer and healthier environment. We can’t forget the health benefits too – it gets kids’ blood pumping first thing in the morning, making them more alert and ready to learn when they arrive at school.
So far, 44 schools in Orange County and two schools in Osceola County have registered for the event through the official website. Don’t see your child’s school listed? It’s not too late – contact their school about organizing a walk. The Center even offers resources for planning an event, making it super easy to get involved. Let’s see how many schools can get in on the action.
What began as a 1-day event in Chicago has grown into all 50 states and over 40 countries supporting and encouraging students to walk to school. Safe Route to Schools (SRTS) has programs that aim to make it safer for students to bike and walk to school. To check out their programs, plan an event or find safe walking tips, check out the SRTS website.
Why stop with one day of walking fun? Talk to your school about starting a Walking School Bus (like the one recently launched at Audubon Park Elementary) to keep the fun going all year. Happy walking!
To check out some photos from previous IWTSD events, visit our Flickr page.
