The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is inviting K-12 schools across the state to join Walk and Roll Day on Wednesday, Oct. 8. The event aims to promote pedestrian and road safety among students, their families, and caregivers.
Walk and Roll to School Day in Colorado began in 1997 as part of the International Walk to School Day initiative, which now includes participation from children in more than 40 countries. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Safe Routes to School program in Colorado, an initiative focused on fostering healthier, safer, and more connected 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.”
“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,” said CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “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 and support for active transportation demonstrated. Registration helps boost Colorado’s standing among other states participating in the event; schools may choose any date that works best for their community if Oct. 8 is not convenient.
Events like Walk and Roll bring together different parts of the community while emphasizing safe options for getting to school on foot or by bike. “Our event brings together the entire school, the Englewood Police Department, and the City of Englewood, truly uniting the community,” said Kyle Conrad, PTO Co-Chair at Clayton Elementary School in Englewood. “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.”
To mark this year’s anniversary celebration CDOT distributed 20,000 free stickers upon request as well as commemorative posters printed double-sided in English and Spanish for registered events. More information about resources—including downloadable posters—can be found at CDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at https://www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/safe-routes.
