Congratulations to all who helped make Walk and Roll to School Day (WR2SD) a huge success. Whether you celebrated on October 7 or another day, your participation helped highlight the need for safe, active travel in every community.
Walk and Roll to School Day gives communities a moment to recognize the obstacles students encounter on their way to school. It also serves as a reminder of what we can accomplish together to ease those obstacles. And above all, it’s a chance to celebrate the happiness that walking and rolling bring to students, neighborhoods, and schools alike. We continue to be inspired by the creative ways Michigan communities mark the day – whether by pairing it with other events or hiring crossing guards for the event. As of this post, our registration numbers indicate over 26,580 students participated in local registered events at 157 schools across the state. It’s also a favorite day for our staff because we get to join the celebrations and share our reflections with all of you after the event.
Universal Academy, Detroit
Universal Academy in Detroit showed up in style for Walk and Roll to School Day! Nearly 100 students participated by walking, biking, or rolling to school. Universal Academy celebrated Walk and Roll to School Day on the school’s Culture Day this year, so students arrived dressed to impress in clothing that represented the culture of their families! With more than two dozen countries represented in the student body, students showed off a parade of colorful and diverse outfits. Students were greeted by Walk and Roll to School Day posters and a smiling Principal Uzma Anjum, who handed out SRTS promotional items and stickers to participating students.
Marble Elementary, East Lansing City
It was a perfect fall morning in East Lansing as Marble Elementary School celebrated its Walk and Roll to School Day. It was crisp enough to feel like autumn without being too brisk. Stationed at one of the south entrances handing out light-up backpack tags, it was incredible to look down the road and see a vibrant stream of students biking and walking toward every entrance of the school. What began as a quiet, slow trickle quickly turned into a massive wave of students, parents, farewell hugs, and smiles. Right nearby, the Safe Routes to School funded pedestrian island on Burcham proved to be an invaluable safety feature, staying in constant use under the careful, attentive watch of two dedicated crossing guards who helped make the morning both smooth and joyful.
Haigh Elementary, Dearborn
Nearly 100 Haigh Elementary students kicked off their day by participating in Walk and Roll to School Day. Arriving on foot, by bike, scooter, and rollerblades, students filled the sidewalks with energy and excitement. Proudly sporting their Walk and Roll to School Day stickers and gearing up for group photos, the Haigh Elementary Owls embraced the opportunity to stay active, have fun, and celebrate the benefits of walking and rolling to school.
If you are still interested in hosting a Walk and Roll to School Day event this month and need assistance with planning or have any questions, contact Erin Paskus. Our next event is Bike and Roll to School Day on May 5. Registration will open in March. We hope you’ll help us make this event a success as well!