Thousands of Minnesota students will trade in bus, car, and other motorized rides on Wednesday for the annual Walk and Bike to School Day. The annual day is part of a national campaign encouraging students and parents to increase their physical activity, practice pedestrian and bicycle safety, and reduce traffic congestion.
Dave Cowan is the MnDOT Safe Routes to School coordinator.
"It's an amazing opportunity for students and parents to get out and get some exercise to start and end their day," Cowan said. "The fall walk and bike to school day is similar to the one in May and also our winter event held in February."
While walking and biking all the way to school might not be an option for some students, families and children are encouraged to take part on Wednesday through a 'bus stop and walk' program.
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Participating schools will have designated space within a half mile from the school and voluteers who will supervise the walk and assist in crossing streets.
"Bus stop and walk let's students participate and catch up with their friends," he said. "This helps our students in more rural areas get that opportunity to get exercise along with their classmates."
Walk and Bike to School Day acts as a reminder to remain extra cautious during the fall and winter months when daylight is minimal when most students are on their way to school.
"We have students walking and biking every day," Cowland said. "Walk and Bike to School Day is a good reminder for motorists to look for those people in crosswalks, bike lanes, or anyone out on the road."
MnDOT continues to assist school districts across the state in making school routes safer and more convenient. Grant programs and resources are available for communities interested in becoming more walkable and bikable.
"We have more than 450 schools throughout the state that have a Safe Routes to School plan," Cowan said. "The plans are chock-full of strategies to get more kids walking and biking in each community."
More than 200 Minnesota schools are participating in the Walk and Bike to School Day. MnDOT's holding a contest for anyone that walks or bikes to school on Wednesday.