Wednesday, October 9, 2024 is the Fall Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is encouraging schools, students, and their families to participate. No matter how a student typically arrives at school, Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day is a great opportunity to try an active route.
As of today, 23 schools across Connecticut have registered their event on the national Walk, Bike, & Roll To School website. These events provide an opportunity to advocate for and evaluate pedestrian safety surrounding Connecticut’s schools while encouraging students to be more active during their school commute.
“We are looking to build on the success of the Spring Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day by having more schools participate in the annual Fall event,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Karen Kitsis. “It’s a beautiful time of year to use active modes of transportation to get to your destination.”
In 2005, the CTDOT established a Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS). Since then, many communities participating in the SRTS Program have shown improved safety and accessibility for students with and without disabilities. CTDOT is excited to share the following updates from the SRTS Team:
Equity:
- Safe Routes to School programs are available for all K-12 students in Connecticut, regardless of their ability, grade level, and location, ensuring that all students are able to participate in safe, accessible, and sustainable active transportation.
Education:
- Updated curriculum resources and SRTS Team technical assistance to offer bicycle and pedestrian safety education at all grade levels.
- Awarded Connecticut’s first Vision Zero Program Distinction for Schools.
Encouragement:
- Supported National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day events across the state.
- Distributed over $250,000 through the Active Transportation Microgrants Program, available (up to $5,000) for schools, school districts, municipalities and non-profits.
Evaluation:
- Completed a number of Safe Routes to School Walk Audits with reports in ArcGIS StoryMaps, with recommendations that are being implemented.
- Safe Routes to School Action Plans are available to communities that have previously participated in the walk audit program.
For more information on the Safe Routes to School Program, please visit ct.gov/SafeRoutes.
To sign up or participate in a Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day event, visit walkbiketoschool.org.