International Walk & Roll to School Day
Every October, schools across the county–and the world–celebrate International Walk and Roll to School Day (IWR2SD). The celebration is designed to encourage students, families and the school community to roll, walk, bicycle, take transit, or use other non-motorized transportation to get to school.
This year, we’ll celebrate IWR2SD on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. Throughout the day, students will share how they got to school by placing a sticker on our mode chart under the corresponding category that matches how they got to school. Participating students will receive fun giveaways and take part in a global event with students around the world.
This is the first of the “big events” that the SR2S Program runs throughout the year to encourage students, families, and communities across Alameda County to walk or roll to school.
Whether your students are new to walking and rolling or they have lots of experience, this is a great opportunity to make our streets safer, reduce traffic, improve air quality, and have fun exercising with our communities!
Why Should We Celebrate and Encourage Walking and Rolling to School?
- In one generation, the number of kids walking and bicycling to school has dropped from 71% to 18%.
- Transportation is responsible for nearly 40% of the Bay Area’s harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
- Seventy-five percent of California students are not able to pass basic fitness standards.
- Travel to school accounts for approximately 21% of all morning traffic.
- It is an easy way for children to get the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity.
How to Organize IWR2SD at Your School
After registering for the event, your school site coordinator will reach out to let you know of your upcoming Task Force meeting. At this meeting, they will tell you how to notify your school administrators, promote the event within your school community, and distribute posters for you to hang around your school. Your site coordinator will also hand out materials for the day of the event, such as the mode charts and the student giveaways.
Task Force meetings are also a great way for school champions to share advice and suggestions on promoting the event.
If you’re unable to attend a Task Force meeting, please contact your site coordinator.
Share Your Event with Us!
We love seeing photos and videos of fun IWR2SD events across Alameda County! Remember to ask parents to fill out the photo/video release form (posted under the “Resources” sidebar to the right). Tag @AlamedaCOSR2S on Twitter and Facebook, or email photos and videos to your site coordinator!
Walking and Rolling Safety Tips
Here are some tips for students and families to keep in mind while walking and rolling:
Covid-19 Safety Tips
- If a six-foot distance is unavoidable when you’re outside, wear a mask. Wearing a mask is encouraged, even if you are outside and if other people are not nearby.
- If you touch something, either use hand sanitizer or, when you are back at home, wash your hands.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Walk and roll in non-crowded places to maintain physical distance.
For more information, visit the Alameda County Public Health Department.
