RICHMOND, VA — Communities across Virginia and the country will join together Oct. 7 to celebrate the ninth annual International Walk to School Day (WTSD).
Last year, a record 220 Virginia schools took part in the event, the most recorded in Virginia since its first WTSD event in 2007. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), which administers the Federal Safe Routes to School Program (SRTS) in the Commonwealth, expects to see more than 250 events this year with participation growing throughout October, which is International Walk to School Month. Events can be registered online at www.walkbiketoschool.org.
The Virginia SRTS Program recognizes the many benefits of active transportation and the role that WTSD plays in encouraging kids to make that choice.
“It’s amazing to see Walk to School Day participation in Virginia steadily increase from year to year.” said Rob Williams, VDOT’s Safe Routes to School coordinator. “It’s a clear indication that more and more schools and parents are recognizing that the trip to school is a fantastic opportunity to get some exercise and get students ready for the day,” he said.
This year, VDOT marks the event by announcing a total of $940,000 in SRTS non-infrastructure grant awards funded by the Federal Highway Administration through the Safe Accountable Flexible Efficient Transportation Equity Act. This funding will be used to organize activities and purchase equipment to educate students about walking and biking safety, and to encourage active transportation to school. They will be implemented throughout the current school year and into the summer.
The following school divisions will receive grants:
- Arlington Public Schools
- Chesapeake Public Schools
- Chesterfield County Public Schools
- Fairfax County Public Schools
- City of Galax on behalf of Galax City Public Schools
- Greater Richmond Fit4Kids on behalf of Richmond Public Schools
- Henrico County Public Schools
- Loudoun County Public Schools
- Lynchburg City Schools
- Norfolk Public Schools
- Prince William County Public Schools
- Rockingham County Public Schools
- Sentara RMH Medical Center on behalf of Harrisonburg Public Schools
- Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools
For additional information, visit these websites:
VDOT Safe Routes to School Program
Walk to School Day in the USA
National Center for Safe Routes to School
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