Getting in Step to Walk and Roll

Denver – The Colorado Department of Transportation is encouraging schools to participate in Walk and Roll Day on Wednesday, Oct. 4, to promote and practice pedestrian and road safety among classmates, families, and caregivers.

Established in 1997, Colorado Walk to School Day is part of the International Walk to School Day program, when children from more than 40 countries walk to school on the same day. In 2022, the National Center for Safe Routes to School renamed the event Walk and Roll Day in recognition of all active and sustainable modes of transportation. Every year, more than 150 schools participate around the state.

Organizers are encouraged to register their school at walkbiketoschool.org as a way of tracking participation and showing support for active, healthy, safe transportation. Registrations also assist Colorado’s ranking among other participating states, regardless of whether schools choose to take part on the official day or choose a more convenient date for their community and optimal participation.

While participation is always strong among elementary schools, recent years have seen an encouraging increase among middle and high school students.

"We’re looking forward to promoting Walk and Roll Day alongside the launch of an inter-middle school Sustainability Club led by our 5th grade alumnae," says Alexis Donovan, PTA board member and club co-leader at Denver’s Teller Elementary School. “These students—also known as Earth Rangers—led last year’s initiative through friendly classroom competitions, morning announcements, handmade signs, and most importantly, sincere care for our environment and students with breathing concerns. Their enthusiasm yields so many creative ways to continue the fun!”

For last year’s event, CDOT provided free Walk and Roll bookmarks printed with English and Spanish sides to interested schools.

Additional resources and ideas, including downloadable posters in English and Spanish, are available on the CDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at https://www.codot.gov/programs/bikeped/safe-routes.

Colorado Safe Routes to School is a statewide program of CDOT’s, It works to create and promote safe, accessible, and fun opportunities for kids to walk and bike to and from school.