Welcome to International Walk to School Day (and Month)!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011, is International Walk to School Day, and October is International Walk to School Month. Whether you are planning events for October 5, activities throughout the month of October or kicking off a year-long walking to school program like Walking Wednesdays, we're glad you are promoting active commuting to school!

We can help you make Walk to School a success in your community. Below you'll find:

• Governor's Proclamation
  Governor Haley Barbour's official proclamation of Walk-to-School Month
• Planning Walk-to-School Events
  Reasons to walk and bike, planning checklist
• Activity Planning
  Event ideas and sample activities
• Local Involvement
  Sample letters to community leaders, parents, sponsors
• Getting the Word Out
  Flyers, news releases, PSAs
• Having a Safe Event
  Tips for drivers, bikers and pedestrians
• After Your Event
  Keep the interest going year-round
• More resources at www.WalkToSchool.org
  More resources for creating a fun and educational event

Most documents can be edited to customize them for your school and community.

Register Your Events

You are strongly encouraged to register your event at www.walktoschool.org. By doing so before September 9, you are guaranteed to receive customizable posters and giveaway items for your event. If you are planning a walk to school event, you will automatically be entered into the 3rd annual Mississippi Walk to School Challenge and a chance to win the Golden Sneaker Trophy for one year!

The Challenge: The school with the highest percentage of walkers at its Walk to School event will be awarded the Golden Sneaker trophy. Every participating walker and biker receives a prize. More »

After Your Event

After your event, let us know what happened by sending photos and stories to Walk to School Day Partners at mdottrafficsafety@mdot.state.ms.us or by mail to Safe Routes to School Program, MDOT-76-01, P. O. Box 1850, Jackson, MS 39215-1850.

Remember: All registered event coordinators will be sent an online survey when their event is over. Completing the survey helps make next year's Walk to School events even better. If you haven't registered, do so now at www.walktoschool.org

Safe Routes to School

The Mississippi Department of Transportation, the Mississippi Department of Health, the Mississippi Department of Education, the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi, and and Bike Walk Mississippi are promoting Walk to School Day and Month in order to raise awareness of the newly implemented Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, a program that enables and encourages all children in grades K-8 to walk and bicycle to school safely. Walk to School activities are often the catalysts for starting SRTS programs.

Keep in Touch

After your event, let us know what happened by sending photos and stories to mdottrafficsafety@mdot.state.ms.us, or by mail to Walk to School Day, MDOT 76-01, P. O. Box 1850, Jackson, MS 39215-1850.