Every October, children, families, and schools around the world put their best foot forward—literally. International Walk to School Month is a global initiative encouraging students to walk to school throughout the month, promoting healthy habits, safer streets, and cleaner air. It’s a simple act that creates ripple effects: reducing traffic congestion, boosting mental focus, and connecting communities one step at a time.

What is International Walk to School Month?

International Walk to School Month is a worldwide campaign that invites students, parents, and school staff to choose walking as a way to get to school. What began as a single-day event in a handful of countries has grown into a full month of activities encouraging children to adopt more active, sustainable travel habits.

The initiative highlights the many benefits of walking – not just for children’s physical health, but also for their confidence, concentration, and sense of independence. It also provides a platform to advocate for safer pedestrian routes, improved infrastructure, and more inclusive community planning around schools.

When is International Walk to School Month?

International Walk to School Month is observed every year during the month of October. Specific events, including International Walk to School Day, typically fall within the first week of the month, but many schools organize activities and themed challenges throughout all four weeks.

The flexibility allows communities in different climates or school calendars to participate in ways that suit them best. Some schools run “walking buses,” where groups of children walk together with adult volunteers, while others create daily or weekly walk-to-school challenges with rewards and milestones.

Why International Walk to School Month Matters

Walking to school may seem like a small act, but its impact is anything but small. Childhood obesity, air pollution, and road safety are serious issues in many communities. Encouraging more students to walk addresses all three, while also fostering healthier routines and a stronger sense of local belonging.

Children who walk to school often arrive more alert and ready to learn. They gain a sense of independence and spatial awareness that’s hard to replicate from the back seat of a car. For many families, walking together also becomes a valuable daily ritual—one of the few times in the day to slow down and connect.

How to Get Involved in International Walk to School Month

Participation is easy, free, and adaptable for schools of any size. Here are some ways to get involved:

• Join or organize a walking group: Connect with neighbors to walk together, especially for younger students who may not walk alone.
• Host themed walk days: From “Wild Hat Wednesday” to “Walk and Talk Friday,” schools can add fun themes to encourage participation.
• Map safe routes: Work with local councils or school boards to identify and promote the safest walking routes, including pedestrian crossings and low-traffic paths.
• Run classroom challenges: Track how many students walk each day and reward consistency or teamwork with certificates or small prizes.
• Advocate for better infrastructure: Use the momentum of the month to call for improved sidewalks, speed limits, and school zone signage.

History of International Walk to School Month

The roots of International Walk to School Month trace back to the mid-1990s in the UK, where local councils launched Walk to School Week as a road safety initiative. The idea quickly spread, with Canada and the United States joining soon after. By 2000, the first International Walk to School Day was held with participation from four countries.

Since then, the movement has grown to include over 40 countries, with millions of students taking part each year. October was eventually established as International Walk to School Month to allow broader participation and longer-term programming. Organizations such as Living Streets UK and the National Center for Safe Routes to School (US) have been instrumental in growing the campaign and supporting schools worldwide.

Noteworthy Facts About International Walk to School Month

• Children who walk or cycle to school tend to be more physically active overall and have lower body fat levels.
• Roughly 1 in 4 morning car trips in some cities is a school run, contributing to peak traffic and air pollution near schools.
• Students who walk to school often show better concentration and behavior in morning lessons.
• In urban areas, walk-to-school programs help reduce carbon emissions and build community ties through shared routines.
• Involving children in route planning builds confidence and awareness about road safety and environmental choices.

Hashtags

#WalkToSchool, #WalkToSchoolMonth, #SafeRoutes, #ActiveKids, #HealthyJourneys

Links

• Living Streets UK – Walk to School Campaign
• National Center for Safe Routes to School (US)
• International Walk to School Day