International Walk to School Day

International Walk to School Day is observed on the first Wednesday of October each year. It gives students, teachers, parents, and communities a chance to step outside, put away their cars or buses, and walk to school together—to promote health, safety, and more sustainable ways to get around.

In the United States, we have a holiday with a slightly different name — National Walk and Bike to School Day.

History of International Walk to School Day

This observance started in the early 1990s as a way to raise awareness about the benefits of walking for school communities. It quickly grew beyond its origins, becoming an international event in more than 40 countries. Schools and local organizations began organizing “walk to school” events to call attention to things like traffic safety, air pollution, and the health impacts of more active commuting.

Through the years, the day has also become part of a broader movement—Safe Routes to School—encouraging not just one day of walking but better infrastructure (sidewalks, crosswalks), safer street design, and regular habits of walking or biking when possible.

Why is International Walk to School Day important?

Because so much of our daily routine is automated, this day reminds people that small changes—like walking instead of driving—can matter. It’s about reclaiming slow moments, letting kids experience their neighborhood, talk with peers, notice the world around them. It builds awareness: about traffic safety, about how streets feel, about which routes are easy or hard to walk.

Also, it helps families, schools, and policymakers think: are our streets safe? Are sidewalks well-kept? Are crossings visible? It nudges communities to make practical improvements. When kids walk together, it strengthens community bonds, encourages physical activity, and can even reduce environmental impacts from cars.

• because kids get some fresh air and gentle exercise in the morning
• because walking together builds community and shared experience
• because it highlights safety issues like dangerous intersections or lack of sidewalks
• because it reminds adults to think about sustainable transport and environmental impact
• because small changes in habits can lead to healthier routines

How to Celebrate International Walk to School Day

If you’re a student or parent, plan to walk or bike part or all of the way to school. Maybe car-pool drops off some distance away so the last bit is walking. Kids can invite friends or make a walking group. Schools could mark the day with assemblies or safety lessons, map out safe paths, or partner with local authorities to examine road safety.

If you’re a teacher or administrator, use the day to engage with students about safe walking habits—reflective gear, crosswalk awareness, traffic rules. Encourage community-level participation: ask local government for improvements to walking paths, organize volunteers to help children cross busy streets. Share stories about the experience to motivate next year’s participation.

• plan a walking route with students and parents
• organize a “walking school bus” group where children walk together under adult supervision
• map safe paths and crossings near your school and highlight them
• use reflective clothing or gear so walk-commuters are visible
• share your walk stories with others to inspire more people

International Walk to School Day Dates Table

Alex’s Take on International Walk to School Day

Sorry guys for my sometimes very personal and probably unnecessary insertions, but I still want to share my own experience of how I used to walk to school. I never took a bus or car because the school was close enough — about a mile away. Sometimes I went with a friend, but often I walked alone. Each trip, whether to school or back home, already felt like a little adventure.

One memory especially stuck with me. It was in autumn, after a rain, and the streets were full of puddles and mud. One puddle in particular was really big. Nearby, I spotted a large sturdy branch — like a pole for high jumping. For some reason, I thought it would be a great idea to use it as a lever and vault across the puddle with a running start. Well, you can probably guess the ending. The stick didn’t break, but right in the middle of the puddle it just slipped forward instead of sticking into the ground. I landed straight in the center of the puddle with my schoolbag and my tweed coat. Of course, after that, I had no choice but to rush back home.

So here’s my advice — if the distance and the neighborhood allow, walk to school! It’s fun, full of little adventures, and it’s great for your mental health. 😉 A wonderful holiday!