The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is encouraging K-12 schools across the state to participate in Walk and Roll Day on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The event aims to promote pedestrian and road safety among students, families, and caregivers.
Colorado Walk and Roll to School Day is part of the International Walk to School Day program, which began in 1997. On this day, children from over 40 countries walk to school together. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Colorado’s Safe Routes to School program, which focuses on building healthier and safer communities.
“For 20 years, Colorado’s Safe Routes to School program has shown what’s possible when we put kids first — safer streets, healthier communities, and students who start their day ready to learn,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “As we celebrate this milestone, I’m proud to see schools, families, and communities coming together to make walking and biking not only safe, but a joyful part of growing up in Colorado.”
CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew noted the impact of the program: “This is the 20th year for Colorado’s Safe Routes to School program, which has encouraged students to be more physically active and helped motivate them to instill healthy habits that can also translate into enhanced performance in the classroom. Safe Routes to School also improves safety through our grant program, which provides funding to improve infrastructure around schools, like for new sidewalks and signage, signalized crosswalks, and better lighting.”
Organizers are asked to register their schools at walkbiketoschool.org so participation can be tracked statewide and nationally. Registration helps boost Colorado’s ranking among participating states even if events take place on a different date.
Walk and Roll events are designed not only for student safety but also as a way for communities to come together around active transportation options. Kyle Conrad, PTO Co-Chair at Clayton Elementary School in Englewood and an organizer for his school’s event said: “Our event brings together the entire school, the Englewood Police Department, and the City of Englewood, truly uniting the community. Parents have long advocated for safer crosswalks and routes to school, and this event shines a light on the areas most in need of support. Kids are thrilled to get outside and ride. We hope this momentum encourages even more families to walk and bike to school—it’s a win for all: less congestion, happier students, and a stronger community.”
For this year’s celebration CDOT distributed 20,000 free stickers upon request. Registered events could also receive commemorative posters printed double-sided in English and Spanish marking the 20th anniversary of Safe Routes to School. Additional information about Walk and Roll Day resources—including customizable posters—is available at CDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at codot.gov/programs/bikeped/safe-routes.
