October 2nd is International Walk to School Day #WalkToSchoolDay when Charlie was in Elementary School Charlie’s school was at the end of our Street. David would be at work when Charlie would leave for School but I would walk Charlie to school and sometimes to his classes.
Some mornings we would leave early and walk the Park which was across the Street or walk down to David’s parents to see his Grandmother before School. I didn’t only walk Charlie to School but home from School with his friends a lot of times.
Now that were in Appian Way Apartments in our Townhome my niece Lily and my nephew Jason’s School is right around the corner and one day I was able to walk them to School from my home. I can’t wait until I’m able to do that again which will have to be soon because this is the last year Jason will be in this School and close enough for us to walk.
Join me International Walk to School Day (IWTSD) which is observed each year on the first Wednesday in October, which is 2nd this year. The Weather is perfect for kids to take to the streets and get some exercise.
IWTSD gives students all over the globe the opportunity to make an impact on the environment. The observance creates awareness and inspires local action on creating a safer and environmentally sustainable environment.
International Walk to School Day is an annual observance that started as a way of creating awareness for walkable communities. International Walk to School Day has since grown to become a series of international events taking place in more than 40 Countries. Thousands of students in schools across the globe take to the streets and participate in IWTSD events in their local communities each year.
Did you know IWTSD was first observed in the early 1990s in Britain when The Partnership for a Walkable America was credited with promoting International Walk to School Day in North America by 1997. In 2004, Active and Safe Routes to School started organizing local events at schools. They built on their success; holding events at several schools since then.
Students in schools all across the United States, including the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico, contribute to the annual IWTSD celebrations. Students rally to walk and inspire conversations about creating safer communities, environmental conservation, and health-conscious transportation habits.
IWTSD sheds light on several important issues including traffic safety and environmental pollution. International Walk to School Day is an important initiative in educating the world about the dangers of environmental pollution.
Walking also happens to be an excellent form of exercise. Its health benefits are often underappreciated compared to jogging. However, even while not being as physically demanding, walking regularly is a great way to stay fit and healthy.
International Walk to School Day continues to gain popularity over time thanks to organizers, schools, and participating students. Today, we celebrate the impact of this observance and the effort of the organizers who make this initiative what it is.
International Walk to School Day Activities
- The best way to mark IWSTD is to spread the word and don’t forget to share your experiences on Social Media to create awareness.
- Volunteer at the organizing association in your area by looking up the venues for events in your neighborhood and ask how you can help.
- Pack small lunches or hand out Lemonade to the little marchers. Their long walk is sure to leave them parched.
Facts About Walking
- One would need to walk for seven hours to burn the calories gained from eating Fries, a Big Mac, and a super-sized Coke. Seven hours isn’t that crazy?
- The ideal way to lose weight is to walk longer distances at a moderate pace. Looks like I need to kick up the pace and make it a habit to get 10,000 steps in each and every day. Are you ready to get started?
- A person taking a 15-minute brisk walk burns the same amount of calories as someone who jogs the same distance in nine minutes. 15 minutes I think I could do. How about you
- As of 1970, approximately 66% of students walked to school, compared to the 13% who do so today.
- Going nonstop at a speed of three miles/hour, you can walk around the world in just 347 days. Can you imagine that?
Why People Love International Walk to School Day
- Exhaust fumes are bad for the environment and for every family that chooses walking over driving, there is a car left in the garage, which means one less agent polluting the environment. Leave that car today and lets get to walking.
- When children walk, kids get to learn safe pedestrian skills and walking is an excellent opportunity to teach them how to read traffic signs.
- Who needs the Gym or P.E. when you can walk to school because walking is an excellent exercise routine and can help strengthen the body.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
