Schools across Minnesota celebrate Walk and Bike to School Day

According to MnDOT, thousands of students are walking and biking to school this morning to participate in Walk and Bike to School day Wednesday.

The annual event is sponsored by Minnesota Safe Routes to School and encourages students and parents to try out a healthy habit that strengthens connections in the community and reduces traffic congestion.

“Thanks to a new Minnesota state law that requires all public school students to learn safe walking and bicycling skills at the beginning of the school year, Walk and Bike to School Day is more important than ever,” said Dave Cowan, MnDOT Safe Routes to School coordinator. “MnDOT has resources and educational materials to help schools meet this new rule and help make Walk to School Day a success.”

Many schools also have a program today for families who live far from school called a “bus stop and walk”. Participating schools designate a drop-off location within a half-mile from the school and volunteers help supervise the walk.

Minnesota Safe Routes to School provides resources and grants to advance SRTS programs through planning, projects and support. Visit their website for more details.