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International Walk to School Month champions active transportation for children throughout October. This global initiative encourages students, families, and communities to embrace walking for its health, environmental, and social benefits. Join the movement by organizing walking groups, advocating for safer routes, and enjoying the journey to school on foot.
Want to sponsor International Walk To School Month? Learn how
Expected International Walk To School Month Deals
International Walk to School Month focuses on advocacy and community engagement rather than commercial deals. Organizations like the National Center for Safe Routes to School and Walk to School UK partner with local schools and communities to host events and promote walking. Retailers like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods may offer discounts on walking gear or safety equipment, while brands such as Clif Kid often sponsor events promoting active lifestyles. Look for local government grants supporting pedestrian infrastructure and school-led initiatives. We will update this page with confirmed live programs as October approaches.
Platform Guide for International Walk To School Month
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #WalkToSchoolMonth. Share photos and videos of children walking to school, highlighting safe routes and community involvement.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #WalkToSchoolMonth. Create event pages for local walk-to-school days and share resources on pedestrian safety.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #WalkToSchoolMonth. Tweet about the benefits of active transport, share policy updates, and engage with education and health organizations.
International Walk To School Month Hero
Gretchen Rueckert
History of International Walk To School Month
As simple as the activity of walking may sound, it is one of the best forms of exercise. It improves stamina, confidence, mental health, aids in weight loss, and reduces the chances of cancer, diabetes, and so much more. The health benefits are endless.
Approximately four billion years ago, when upright walking first came into being, it opened up a world for humans like no other. It not only served as a form of cardio but was also the gateway to other life experiences. A walk in the park with your pet, a walk through a museum on a date, a walk around tourist attractions on a trip, a walk up a hill for a gorgeous sunrise view — walking is good for the mind, body, and soul.
In addition to that, our decision to walk directly benefits the environment too! With fewer vehicles being used, the negative impact on the environment is significantly reduced with less noise, less pollution, and fewer harmful emissions leading to climate change.
In 1997, the Partnership for a Walkable America introduced the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago. Communities in the U.S. have continued to celebrate every year since then and slowly other countries joined in. In 2006, the interest in Walk to School Day was so widespread across the globe that the International Walk to School Committee established October as International Walk to School Month, which has been celebrated worldwide ever since.
International Walk To School Month timeline
Emulating the U.K.’s walk to school events, National Walk Our Children to School events commence in the U.S.
With over 40 countries joining the effort, International Walk to School day is established.
An increase in public interest leads to the declaration of October as International Walk to School Month.
Owing to the success of Walk to School Day, the first National Bike to School Day takes place.
How Businesses Can Celebrate International Walk To School Month
Local businesses can support International Walk to School Month by sponsoring school events or providing incentives for students who walk. Retailers selling activewear or safety gear can offer discounts, while local cafes might provide healthy snacks for ‘walking school bus’ participants. Businesses can also advocate for improved pedestrian infrastructure in their communities, such as better sidewalks and crosswalks, to ensure safer routes for children. Consider partnering with local schools to promote the health and environmental benefits of active commuting.
International Walk To School Month FAQs
When is International Walk To School Month?
International Walk to School Month runs throughout October 2026. This global observance encourages students, parents, and communities to promote walking as a healthy and sustainable way to get to school.
How many children walk to school?
According to a 2020 CDC report, only about 11% of children aged 5–14 years walked to school in the U.S. This month aims to significantly increase that number by raising awareness and improving infrastructure.
What are the benefits of walking to school?
Walking to school offers numerous benefits, including increased physical activity, improved concentration in class, reduced traffic congestion around schools, and lower carbon emissions. It’s a simple way to integrate daily exercise.
What is the history of Walk to School efforts?
The first official Walk to School Day was held in the UK in 1994, with the U.S. following in 1997. The concept quickly gained international traction, expanding to a full month of observance to promote sustained active transport habits.
International Walk To School Month Activities
Walk to school
This one’s a no-brainer. If you are a schoolgoer or know someone who is, leave the car behind and walk to school with them!
Inform local schools and policymakers
Reach out to local schools and decision-makers and tell them about International Walk to School Month and what they can do to improve its success such as road safety events.
Get involved in fundraisers
Organize fundraisers and donate to organizations working to make the streets safer for children. This will in turn encourage more children to walk to school.
5 Facts About Walking That We Bet You Didn’t Know
It’s a natural antidepressant
Walking acts as an instant mood booster and is also good for overall mental health.
The weirder, the better
Walking sideways actually burns more calories than walking straight.
It’s anti-aging
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, walking can make you look and feel younger.
It can make you richer
According to a survey in “The Physician and Sportsmedicine,” walking regularly can save you up to $330 a year in healthcare costs.
It can take you around the world
An average person walks 65,000 miles in their lifetime, which is equal to walking three times around the Earth.
Why We Love International Walk to School Month
It promotes exercise
This month reminds us of the importance of exercise and its numerous benefits. It is a sign for us to start young and develop healthy, active habits.
It directs our attention to road safety
With the desire to let our children walk to school comes the need to ensure the roads are a safe place for them.
It inculcates a sense of independence
For older kids, encouraging them to walk to school either by themselves or with friends gives them a feeling of independence from a young age and that they are trusted to look after themselves.
Social Media Tips for International Walk To School Month
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