Olmsted County celebrates International Walk to School Day

Students and families are encouraged to walk, bike, scoot, or roll to school on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, to celebrate International Walk to School Day.

Rochester Public Schools (RPS) and Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) encourage all students and their families to celebrate International Walk to School Day by taking one less trip by car for healthier kids, families, communities, and a healthier planet.

Students within walking distance of their school throughout Olmsted County are encouraged to walk to be active, reduce school traffic, and support safe, walkable communities. International Walk to School Day is an excellent opportunity for families and students to find the safest route to school. They can also meet neighbors and explore the paths to their favorite destinations on foot, scooter, or bike. 

Families may also enter a statewide photo contest by posting a picture of the trip with the hashtag #mnwalks.

Students who can take an active route to school take a step toward a healthy lifestyle by developing a habit of daily activity. They begin the school day ready to concentrate and learn. 

Those who don’t walk can also support a healthy community by making it safer for students. Drivers are asked to be alert to pedestrians and bikers, slow down in school zones, yield to walkers and bikers, and refrain from distracted driving activities.

RPS and OCPHS are hosting a walk to school event at Homestead Park at 15th Ave SE and 8 1/2 Street in Rochester at 8:45 a.m. Buses will drop students off at the park for a one-mile walk to Riverside Elementary School at 506 5th Avenue SE in Rochester. Special guests will guide students on walks starting around 9 a.m. The event concludes when school begins at 9:25 a.m.