Funds Available for Walk and Roll to School Day

Walk and Roll to School Day grant applications now open. Schools are invited to apply for funding to promote Walk and Roll to School Day Oct. 7. Walk and Roll to School is part of International Walk to School Day and celebrates children getting to school in safe and active ways.

Each October, millions of children, parents, teachers and community leaders across the globe walk, bicycle, skate, scooter or roll to school to celebrate Walk to School Day. It is an energizing event, reminding parents and children alike of the simple joy of walking and rolling to school.

In the United States today, 18 percent of kids walk or bike to school, versus 49 percent in 1969, according to the most recent CDC data (2001).

Grant packages include $500 in cash and a variety of promotional materials and refreshment items. Only individual schools can apply. All public and private schools in Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties are eligible.

Walk and Roll to School Day Mini-Grant guidelines and application form is available online at www.activetrans.org/walkandroll. Questions? Contact the Mini-Grant Coordinator at 312.427.3325 x236 or minigrants@activetrans.org.

Previous grant winners have staged Walk and Roll to School events, including rallies and breakfasts. Some have used the grant for incentives that encourage students to walk, bike and roll to school year-round.

View the 2008 Walk and Bike to School report online at: www.activetrans.org/international-walk-school-day

Walk and Roll to School Day Mini-Grant program sponsors are AAA Chicago, Active Transportation Alliance, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Clif, FedEx, Safe Kids, Stakeholder’s Collaboration (Respiratory Health Association) and Village Cycling Center. Partners are the Cook County Department of Public Health, Illinois Principals Association, League of Illinois Bicyclists and Walk Across Illinois.