Getting a Walk & Bike to School Day going may seem overwhelming, but doesn’t have to be. To start, don’t get buried in details or the pressure of a large event. It could be as easy as a few fliers, posters and a welcome table in front of school to celebrate kids’ efforts. It can also include route maps, meetup sites and an army of volunteers. We can hep you work to your capacity and create a fun and successful event.
Let’s get started!
Choose your Event. Always work to your capacity and build from there. For some, starting small with a welcome table in front of school and a few volunteers to hand out goodies is all they can handle. For others, coordinating meetup sites is manageable. Some schools might have the volunteer capacity to schedule Walking School Buses. Don’t worry, it’s all good!
- STEP 1: Pick your date. Your event can be whenever best fits your school’s schedule. Hint: Many schools use International Walk to School Day as a starting point (usually the first Wednesday in October)
- Step 2: Coordinate. Be sure to seek your principal’s permission and input. Also, notify your local leaders and police department for support and suggestions.
- STEP 3: Recruit volunteers Volunteers can help encourage students, distribute fliers and greet students on the big day. If you’re handing out incentives, be sure someone is assigned to that task so you’ll be free to organize and walk or bike with the students. Hint: Getting volunteers involved early also helps build sustainability.
- STEP 4: Promote your event. Start with inviting students and parents to participate. Fliers, posters, banners, school newsletters, and intercom announcements are all good places to begin. Remember to take advantage of social media too. Encourage the students to create banners, fliers and signs to place around school or carry with them. Hint: Be your biggest fan. Students, volunteers and other parents will feed off your energy and enthusiasm.
- Almost there A few days before, check in with your volunteers to make sure everything is ready. The day before, make an intercom announcement to remind students to walk to school and one last e-mail to parents. Hint: Don’t panic. whether you get 5 students or 500, you’re on the right track.
- STEP 5 Start Walking + Rolling! If you’re meeting at a common location, be sure to discuss safe rules of the road and why you’re promoting this activity.
- Celebrate Success At school, gather everyone at a common meeting place or in front of the school to congratulate them for participating. Be sure to thank all your volunteers! Hint: Take photos of the students and parents (clear this with your principal first).
- Be sure to register your event at walkbiketoschool.org
Extra Tips for Principals, Faculty and Parents:
Parents: You can speak with your principal or PTA/PTO and start planning. It’s easy, costs little – or even nothing – and a whole lot of fun!
Teachers: You can encourage your students to participate and make a project out of it. For example, the class can discuss the benefits of walking and biking, determine percentages of those who walked, biked or drove and estimate for the entire school. Even better, challenge other faculty to see who can get more students to participate. Student posters to encourage and inspire work well also.
Principals: You can lead the effort and be head cheerleader. Direct staff or parents to valuable resources to plan an event at your school. Greet your students in front of the school or even join them along the way.
