More than 300 schools in Michigan will join students around the country to celebrate Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 4. Thousands of Michigan students, along with their parents, teachers, and community leaders, are expected to participate.
“Walk to School Day is a simple way for students to get exercise before the school day starts. This event is an easy first step in planning Safe Routes to School activities and starting a culture of walking and biking to school,” said Meg Thomas-Ackerman, Director of Michigan Safe Routes to School (SRTS). “The Michigan Fitness Foundation is thrilled to partner with the Michigan Department of Transportation to help make Michigan one of the states with the most schools participating in Walk to School Day.”
Walk to School Day encourages students to seek a lifetime of physical activity. The event takes place nationally and internationally, promoting the growth of walkable communities while helping to reduce traffic and air pollution. Walk to School Day also gives young people an opportunity to engage with their communities and build confidence.
As part of the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Michigan SRTS team partners with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to work with schools, families, and communities across the state to enhance active transportation through a variety of modes. Federal funding for SRTS programs was established by Congress in 2005, continued under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act of 2012, and again under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act of 2015. MDOT’s role is to administer the federally-legislated SRTS program.
“MDOT is excited to partner with the Michigan Fitness Foundation to promote Walk to School Day to students across Michigan,” said Mike Kapp, MDOT Office of Economic Development administrator. “We are pleased to continue helping students walk and bike to school safely through the Safe Routes to School program.”
For additional information, please visit:
The Michigan Safe Routes to School website (links to different site in new window).
The Michigan Safe Routes to School Twitter feed (links to Twitter in new window).
The Michigan Safe Routes to School Facebook page (links to Facebook in new window).
Use hashtag #Walk2SchoolDayMichigan.
