Local Groups Celebrate National Walk and Roll to School Day

Organizations across Ada County are joining together to celebrate National Walk and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, October 8.

ACHD, Idaho Power, St. Luke's, Boise Police Department, and COMPASS will join students, families, and school staff to highlight fun, healthy, and safe ways of getting to school by walking, biking, and riding scooters.

On the morning of October 8, representatives from these groups will be stationed near various schools in Boise and Meridian. They will greet students on their way to class and hand out fun, safety-focused items, including bike lights, reflective gear, and other giveaways that encourage visibility and safe travel.

"National Walk and Roll to School Day highlights the importance of creating safe, accessible routes for children traveling to and from school," said Lisa Grow, President and CEO of Idaho Power. "Idaho Power is proud to support initiatives that prioritize child safety while encouraging healthy, community-minded transportation choices."

The annual event shines a light on ensuring our communities have safe, welcoming environments for everyone - especially children - to travel to school. While many parents cite busy roads as a reason for driving, those same short trips often contribute to the congestion they're trying to avoid. By encouraging more students to walk, bike, or scoot, families can help ease traffic around schools, promote safer driving speeds, and build a stronger sense of shared responsibility for safety. It's a simple shift that can make a big difference in how our communities move and connect.

"ACHD remains committed to creating and maintaining a safe transportation network for all users," said Ryan Head, ACHD Director. "Events like Walk and Roll to School Day remind us that everyone plays a part in making our streets safer."

"With the right safety plan in place, walking or riding to school can be a fun, healthy, and confidence-building experience for kids," said Boise Police Deputy Chief Tammany Brooks. "We encourage families to talk about safe routes, practice them together, and help children enjoy their independence while staying safe on the way to school."

The effort is supported by community volunteers, who will help staff "Safety SWAG Stations" before school starts as students walk, bike, or roll to class. Students who arrive on foot, by bike, or using another active mode of transportation are encouraged to stop by and pick up safety items.

"Walk and Bike to School Day is about more than just one day," said Craig Raborn, COMPASS Executive Director. "It's about giving students an opportunity to experience walking and biking to school, encouraging safe and active transportation year-round, and helping students build healthy habits that last a lifetime." National Walk and Roll to School Day is a nationwide event that promotes physical activity, teaches safe pedestrian and bicycling skills, and draws attention to the need for safer routes to school.

Contact:

Melissa ThomMarketing LeaderIdaho [email protected]-388-6634