October is IWalk Month! An internationally celebrated initiative aimed at getting students walking, or rolling (i.e. travelling via wheelchair, mobility aid, bike, etc.) to school. We hope that one day every child will walk or wheel for part, or all, of their daily school journey and so we would like to encourage you to participate during the month of October.

Let’s get walking, or rolling!

The Challenge:

We’re calling on all students, and parents/guardians to get outside and try walking, or wheeling, to school for at least one extra journey per week more than you would normally. This is the “One Extra Walk a Week Challenge.” Globally, and within our community, we can make a big difference! If you live too far away to make the entire journey than consider walking, or wheeling to your bus stop every morning. Or, perhaps parking further away from the school and travelling the last 5-10 minutes of the journey on foot or wheel.

How?

There are some simple, easy steps you can take to make IWalk Month a success!:

  1.  Make a plan to walk, or roll, for part of all of the journey to and from school.
  2. Keep track of how many times you’re walking, or rolling, to and from school each week! At the end of the month you’ll be able to enter this number on our digital Participation Certificate, which is our way of recognizing your important efforts.
  3. If you’re unsure of your route try downloading the Cycling Guide app. Don’t let the name fool you; the app can be used whether you are walking, rolling, or cycling. It gives users route options based on how many times the route will use cycleways, multi-use paths or quiet streets. Making it a great asset to pedestrians of all skill and comfort levels.
  4. Familiarize yourselves with pedestrian safety! This is a great learning opportunity for students of all ages to get more familiar with the rules of the road, and how to stay safe as a pedestrian. So much learning can take place outside of the classroom. For more tips head over to the Walk Zone.
  5. Dress for success! Make sure you’re dressed for the weather, wearing comfortable shoes (with secured laces), and consider bringing a water bottle to help refuel.

Why?

Walking, or rolling, to school has SO many amazing benefits not just for you but for your entire community. By participating in IWalk Month you are leading by example and collectively every single student’s efforts, across the globe, make a big impact.

Mental & Physical Health: 

Studies show that after only a 20 minute walk the power of concentration remains increased for up to 4 hours. Students who arrive to school via active transportation in the morning are more alert, and ready to learn! It’s also a great form of exercise, and part of a healthy lifestyle.

Safer Streets:

If more students, and parents/guardians are walking, or rolling to and from school this decreases the amount of cars both on the road and in school zones. Less traffic, and congestion means the risk for accidents decreases. This makes it safer for pedestrians, and drivers alike.

Greener Communities:

Similarly to how less vehicles on the road make streets safer, it also helps the environment! Up to 25% of the morning traffic is attributed to school commuters. Less cars mean less non-renewable resources (like gas) are being consumed, and less emissions are being released into the environment. This means better air quality; especially in school zones where students spend most of their days.

It’s fun:

Walking to school with family, or friends, can be so much fun! It gives students a sense of graduated independence by allowing them to take on new, and exciting responsibilities for themselves and others as a pedestrian. It also gives students the opportunity to discover, and connect with their communities and nature. This can have a very positive impact on stress levels, and happiness.

Happy Travels!

If you’re interested in learning more about IWalk head over to Ontario Active School Travel’s Walk To School Month page. And, don’t forget to download your digital Participation Certificate. Now, get out there and getting walking or rolling this October!