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 began in 1997 as part of the International Walk to School Day program. Children from more than 40 countries take part in walking to school on the same day each year. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Safe Routes to School program, which focuses on building healthier, safer communities for children.
“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 being asked by CDOT to register their events at walkbiketoschool.org so participation can be tracked. Registration helps show support for safe transportation options for students statewide and boosts Colorado’s ranking among participating states.
Walk and Roll events are designed not only as community-building activities but also as opportunities for raising awareness about the importance of safe travel routes for children. Kyle Conrad, PTO Co-Chair at Clayton Elementary School in Englewood and a lead 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 event marking two decades of Safe Routes programming in Colorado schools, CDOT distributed 20,000 free stickers upon request along with commemorative posters printed double-sided in English and Spanish offered at registered events.
More information about Walk and Roll Day ideas or resources—including customizable posters—is available on CDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at codot.gov/programs/bikeped/safe-routes.
