Frequently Asked Questions

Many organizers are planning events for the first time. Here are the most often asked questions and the answers.

About Bike to School Day

What is Bike to School Day?

The first-ever National Bike to School Day will take place on May 9, 2012, as part of National Bike Month. Local events across the U.S. will encourage children to safely bicycle or walk to school.

The event builds on the popularity of Walk to School Day, which is celebrated across the country – and the world – each October. Many communities and schools have been holding spring walk and bicycle to school events for years. National Bike to School Day provides an opportunity for schools across the country to join together to celebrate and to build off of the energy of National Bike Month.

Is Bike to School Day replacing Walk to School Day?
Not at all! Bike to School Day is designed to complement Walk to School Day by offering a similar, bike-focused event in May. The event builds on the popularity of Walk to School Day, which is celebrated across the country – and the world – each October. Many communities and schools have been holding spring walk and bicycle to school events for years. National Bike to School Day provides an opportunity for schools across the country to join together to celebrate and to build off of the energy of National Bike Month.

Is there going to be Bike to School Day registration?

Yes. This year, Bike to School Day event registration will open in early April, when the newly redesigned website is launched. Communities, schools and organizations will be able to register events and individuals will be able to register as resources for others planning events in thier states.

A special component of this inaugural celebration - everyone who registers an event or as a resource will be entered into a contest to win a bike rack for thier school. Contest rules and details coming soon!

What if my school/community already has a Bike to School Day event planned for another day? Can I still register my event?
Yes. Anyone who is planning an event in the spirit of National Bike to School Day - meaning a spring event focused on an active trip to school by bicycle - is encouraged to register their event.

While National Bike to School Day is officially being organized for May 9, that date might not work for every community. In fact, some schools may have existing spring bike or walk to school events on another day.

 

Can walkers participate in Bike to School Day?
Of course! Bike to School Day encourages an active trip to school with a focus on the bicycle, but the celebration is not exclusive to that mode of transportation. Just as bicyclists are a part of many Walk to School Day events in October, walkers can be an important part of Bike to School Day in May.

Who is coordinating Bike to School Day?
The National Center for Safe Routes to School, which serves as the information clearinghouse for the federal Safe Routes to School program and coordinates U.S. Walk to School Day, is planning the inaugural event in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists, the organization that leads the celebration of National Bike Month.

About Registration

Why should I register my event?
By registering your event online you are letting the world know that your community is walking. Registered users have access to a variety of downloadable materials, including templates for printing stickers, certificates, a frequent walker punch card and new puzzles. Registrants also receive a weekly e-newsletter for six weeks in September and October with tips and resources on holding a Walk to School event.
I just registered my event but it's not showing up on the Who's Walking Page. Does this mean I need to register again?
Thank you for registering your event! We are thrilled that you are participating this year and that you've taken the time to register on the website. Unfortunately each registration needs to be screened by a staff person before it can be posted on the Who's Walking page. Our staff screens the events at least once each business day, however during the weeks leading up to Walk to School Day, this can be a challenge.
 
If your event does not appear on the Who's Walking page later than 3 business days after you registered the event, please contact us by emailing walk@walktoschool.org or calling the hotline at 1-866-610-7787. Thank you for your patience.
When do we get our materials and kits?
The National Center for Safe Routes to School does not have the capacity to maintain an inventory and cannot send out materials or kits for Walk to School Day. Instead, the Center provides online materials that you can download for free such as flyers and banners. You can find these in our Resources Section. You have access to even more templates (stickers, badges, certificates, crowns, etc) when you register your event.
 
This way you can use official Walk to School Day logos on any items that you like. We encourage you to print and purchase these items at local businesses.

About Organizing a Walk to School Day Event

Who should be involved?
Anyone who is interested in creating a more walkable and bikeable community. Individuals who are sometimes involved in Walk to School events include: children, parents, grandparents, care-givers, teachers, principals, PTA, school nurses, crossing guards, superintendents, law enforcement and fire departments, city planners, engineers, mayors, city council members, local celebrities, community organizations and many others.
What if it's too far to walk?
A designated meeting area within walking distance of the school allows families to park and walk together. Or, hold a walk during lunchtime on the school campus. The idea is to get walking. Improvise and customize your walk to fit your community.
What if it’s not safe to walk?
Walk on the school campus and hold a press conference with local community leaders to bring attention to safety concerns.
How much does it cost?
Many organizers don't spend a cent on Walk to School Day. If you would like to provide snacks or prizes, talk to local businesses and ask them if they'll sponsor your event or donate juice and snacks.
How do I organize an event?
Start with these easy steps...
How do I get parents and other schools to participate?
Promote your event by sending home letters or flyers to inform parents about the Walk to School event. Schools with active PTA/PTOs can ask for help in getting the word out. Walk to School flyers are available in the Resources section. Promote the event to children by making announcements on the school intercom and reviewing pedestrian safety tips and the health benefits of walking in class prior to Walk to School. Some schools hang banners inside or outside the school, letting children, parents and the community know about the upcoming celebration. Many schools use Walk to School events to kick-off year-long promotion for walking and bicycling and sometimes hold contests to encourage participation.
What kind of activities should I plan for that day?
The event can be as simple as encouraging children and parents to walk to school together. Some communities choose a remote meeting place so that all families walk together parade-style. Upon arrival at the school, refreshments are sometimes provided along with a press conference or assembly.
Why is the event being held?
Communities choose to participate for many reasons including to promote physical activity, pedestrian safety or concern for the environment.  If there is a specific reason behind the event, incorporate activities that relate to this central purpose. Consider how much time and people are available to help with the event and how “big” you want to make it. Lots of ideas are available.
Do you have any materials for Walk to School Day organizers?
Yes! Registration of your event gives access to printable sticker templates and other promotional materials. Printable flyers, banners, activities and other promotional and education materials are available in Resources.
What is the Walkability Checklist?
The walkability checklist is a simple five-question checklist that adults and children can use to examine their neighborhoods and measure how friendly their streets are for walkers.
How can I contact other event coordinators in my area?
The web site maintains a comprehensive list by state and city of the registered events in your area. Here you are able to see the contact information of other event coordinators in your state.
How do I get the local media involved?

When media cover your event, they help spread the word of the great health, safety, environmental and social benefits of more children walking to school every day. In the Resources section, you will find media advisories, press releases, public service announcements and detailed instructions on how to use these tools and the additional information provided.

How can I incorporate walking to school in my community's everyday activities?

See the National Center for Safe Routes to School for guidance on how to create a comprehensive Safe Routes to School program that will help make it safe and appealing for children to walk and bicycle to school every day.

What is a walking school bus?

A walking school bus is a group of children accompanied by one or more adults on the walk to or from school. The group may meet at one place and walk together or children may be “picked up” at their homes or at spots along the way. Learn more at our walking school bus page.

About International Walk to School Day

What is the date for next year's International Walk to School event?
Walk to School Day 2012 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 3.
What inspired International Walk to School Month? Didn’t it used to just be a day?
In 2006, the International Walk to School Committee, consisting of representatives from several countries, promoted Walk to School for the entire month of October to include more countries around the world who have expressed interest in participating in this energizing event.