On Wednesday, Oct. 5, an estimated 13,000 San Francisco students, teachers and parents turned out to celebrate International Walk and Roll to School Day. A record-breaking 95 San Francisco schools participated, as students from across the city walked, biked, scootered and rolled their way to class. To increase both safety and community spirit, many formed “bike trains” and “walking school buses” to travel to school together.

Walk & Roll to School Day kicks off the 2016-17 Safe Routes to Schools program, which encourages families to bike, walk or take transit to school. When car traffic is reduced around schools, pedestrian and bike safety increases. Studies show that physical activity before school can improve academic performance as well. Parents may also reduce our own stress levels when we take the time to walk or roll in the morning with our children.

The SF Bicycle Coalition is proud to be part of the Safe Routes to School partnership, a coalition of local agencies and advocates that work together to advance safe, healthy and equitable transportation to and from schools. Congratulations to Walk SF for leading the Walk & Roll to School Day celebration.

Would you like to see more walking and rolling to your child’s school? Safe Routes to School offers free resources for every family and school. Do you want to start biking with your family? The SF Bicycle Coalition teaches free Family Biking Classes to help get you and your family rolling.

Congratulations once again to all the students, teachers and families who used smart, sustainable and fun ways to get to school on Walk & Roll to School Day — and now want to create a healthy habit for the coming school year.