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In
2007, millions of
children, parents, and community
leaders from 42 countries around
the world joined together in celebration
of International Walk to School Month.
The goal of the walk varies from community
to community. Some walks rally for safer
and improved streets, some to promote
healthier habits and some to conserve
the environment. Whatever the reason,
International Walk to School events encourage
a more walkable world – one
community at a time.
In 1994, the Hertfordshire County Council's Travelwise team
in Great Britain pilots the first walk to school week in the
summer term with just a few of its schools.
In 1995, the Pedestrians Association
organizes its own first walk to school week, raising the profile
of the initiative across Great Britain.
In 1996, the Travelwise Association
(numbering about 100 local authorities) joins forces with The
Pedestrians Association to hold Walk To School Week during Child
Safety Week in Great Britain.
In 1997, in
the United States, the Partnership
for a Walkable America launches its first
walk in Chicago. Later that year, Los Angeles
holds a walk. Walk To School Week gets
its own dedicated week in mid-May in Great Britain.
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walkers
in
British Columbia, Canada. |
In
1998, 16,000 Canadians from 5 provinces
join over 170,000 Americans from 58 United
States' communities. Great Britain officially
launches Walk To School Week in Birmingham
and receives National TV News coverage.
In 1999,
Ireland joins the walk along with 44 schools
from New Zealand. 10,000 schools from
Great Britain take part along with 250
schools from Canada, and 525 schools from
the United States.
In 2000,
the first ever International Walk to School
Day took place on October 4th. Canada,
Great Britain, United States, Ireland,
Cyprus, Gibraltar and The Isle of Man
participated. Austrialia and New Zealand
plan to coordinate walks throughout the
year. Over two and a half million walkers
were estimated to have participated.
In 2001,
walkers celebrated the second annual International
Walk to School Day with an even greater
turnout! 21 countries and nearly 3 million
people walked to school, making this the
largest event yet.
In 2002, 28 countries were involved
in International Walk to School Day. Over 3 million people celebrated
walking to school on October 2nd, 2002.
In 2003, 29 countries and 3 million
walkers participated in International Walk to School Day on October
8, 2003.
In
2004, 36 countries and 3 million walkers participated
in International Walk to School.
In
2005, 37 countries and 3 million walkers participated
in International Walk to School.
In
2006, 40 countries and millions of walkers
participated in the first International
Walk to School Month throughout October.
In
2007, 42 countries and millions of walkers participated
in International Walk to School Month.
The
2008 event is scheduled for the entire month
of October. It's not too early
to start planning. See
if your country is participating, or
if not, sign up yourself.
International Walk to School is more than
just getting together with children and
going for a walk to school as a special event. This is certainly important,
but the event's greater aim is to bring
forth permanent change in communities
across the globe. Below are just a few
of its goals:
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| Lytchett
Matravers Primary school in Dorset, England. |
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Encourage physical activity by teaching children
the skills to walk safely, how to identify safe routes to school, and the benefits of walking
Raise
awareness of how walkable a community is and where improvements
can be made
Raise
concern for the environment
Reduce
crime and take back neighborhoods for people on foot
Reduce
traffic congestion, pollution, and speed near schools
Share
valuable time with local community leaders, parents, and children
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