October is Walk to School Month!

Walking and biking to school are great ways for students and families to get a daily dose of physical activity.

But that’s just part of the story.

When kids get active on their way to school, it improves air quality around schools, and students who bike and walk to school are likely to earn higher than average scores on standardized tests.

Every year, familes are invited to participate in International Walk to School Day, which always takes place the first Wednesday of October. This year, for the first time, communities can choose to extend their celebration during the entire month of October.

Are you and your children walking and biking to school this month? Is your school celebrating International Walk to School Day/Week/Month?

If so, here are just a few resources that can help you get started:

• Active Trans offers free downloadable bike and pedestrian safety lessons.
• Register your school’s Walk to School Day event. By registering, you can gain access to certificates, press releases and other goodies.
• Get bike safety tips.
• Request a visit from Chicago’s Safe Routes Ambassadors program.