EAST LANSING, Mich. - s4story -- On Wednesday, Oct. 7, Michigan students will join children from around the globe to celebrate National Walk and Roll to School Day (WR2SD). Started in 1997 by the Partnership for a Walkable America, WR2SD is now an international event that takes place in over 40 countries.

The event is promoted by Michigan's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, which is overseen by Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and managed by Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF). SRTS programs are designed to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children and their families to walk, bike, and roll to school. By identifying what support is needed or what prevents students from being active on the school commute, SRTS works with communities to make routes safer and encourages more students and families to get moving.

"Walk and Roll to School Day offers an opportunity for students and families to incorporate more physical activity into their daily routines," said MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam.

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WR2SD offers the opportunity for schools to emphasize the importance of active transportation and how it helps ease traffic jams, improve air quality, unite neighborhoods and contribute to students' readiness to learn in school.

"A strong transportation system provides safe and accessible ways for people to get where they need to go," said MDOT Office of Economic Development Administrator Mike Kapp. "Walk and Roll to School Day highlights active transportation and strengthens connections within our communities."

All Michigan schools are invited to participate and host a WR2SD event that can be as straightforward or as grand as organizers envision that can be anything  from simply inviting students to walk to school, to hosting a pedestrian parade, or organizing a walking school bus.

Last year, Michigan schools ranked third in the nation for WR2SD participation and there is still time for schools to register for this year's event. Registered schools also receive planning assistance from SRTS program staff. To learn more and register for the event, visit saferoutesmichigan.org/walk-to-school-day.