Schools across Kansas will be celebrating International Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8, with support from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. This annual event promotes safe behaviors and community connection by encouraging students and families to walk, bike and/or roll to school.

Currently, there are 27 schools across the state participating. Schools are encouraged to register for the event and download free materials at saferoutes.ksdot.gov/iwrsd.

October is also National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to focus on enhancing safety for people walking. Pedestrians of all ages are vulnerable, especially children. By promoting awareness of people walking and using other active modes, Walk and Roll to School Day contributes to improving roadway safety roadways for everyone.

A few safety tips to keep in mind this October and all year long:

• All: Follow the rules of the road; obey signs and signals.
• Drivers: Watch for pedestrians, yield to pedestrians in or at crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. Always use caution when backing up or driving in hard-to-see conditions.
• Pedestrians: Stay focused, cross streets carefully at marked crosswalks when available, make eye contact with drivers who are slowing or stopped at a crossing and walk on sidewalks when available.

About KDOT Safe Routes to School

Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive and effective approach to getting more kids biking, rolling and walking safely to school. Visit KDOT's Safe Routes to School website at saferoutes.ksdot.gov to learn more and sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter.

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