4th to 8th October 2004 - National Autumn Walk to School Week

International Walk to School Week, held this year on October 4 - 8, gives children, parents, school teachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking. In 2003, approximately 3 million walkers from 29 countries walked to school together for various reasons – all hoping to create communities that are safe places to walk.

The goal of the walk varies from community to community. Some walks rally for safer and improved streets, some to promote healthier habits and some to conserve the environment. Whatever the reason, Walk to School Day events encourage a more walkable world – one community at a time.

International Walk to School is more than just getting together with children and going for a walk to school one day or week a year. This is certainly important, but the event's greater aim is to bring forth permanent change in communities across the globe. Below are just a few of its goals:

Encourage physical fitness through the easiest-to-do and most enjoyable form of exercise safety by teaching children the skills to walk safely and to identify safe routes to school

Raise awareness of how walkable a community is and where improvements can be made

Raise concern for the environment

Reduce crime and take back neighbourhoods for people on foot

Reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and speed near schools

Share valuable time with local community leaders, parents, and children

The history of the Walk

In 1994, the Hertfordshire County Council's Travelwise team in Great Britain piloted the first walk to school week in the summer term with just a few of its schools

In 1995, the Pedestrians Association organized its own first walk to school week, raising the profile of the initiative across Great Britain

In 1996, the Travelwise Association (numbering about 100 local authorities) joined forces with The Pedestrians Association to hold Walk To School Week during Child Safety Week in Great Britain

In 1997, In the United States, the Partnership for a Walkable America launched its first walk in Chicago. Later that year, Los Angeles held a walk. Walk To School Week got its own dedicated week in mid-May in Great Britain.

In 1998, 16,000 Canadians from 5 provinces joined over 170,000 Americans from 58 United States' communities. Great Britain officially launched Walk To School Week in Birmingham.

In 1999, Ireland joined the walk along with 44 schools from New Zealand. 10,000 schools from Great Britain took part along with 250 schools from Canada, and 525 schools from the United States.

In 2000, the first ever International Walk to School Day took place on October 4th. Canada, Great Britain, United States, Ireland, Cyprus, Gibraltar and The Isle of Man participated. Australia and New Zealand planned to coordinate walks throughout the year. Over two and a half million walkers were estimated to have participated.

In 2001, walkers celebrated the second annual International Walk to School Day with an even greater turnout! 21 countries and nearly 3 million people walked to school, making this the largest event yet.

In 2002, 28 countries were involved in International Walk to School Day. Over 3 million people celebrated walking to school on October 2nd, 2002.

In 2003, 29 countries and 3 million walkers participated in International Walk to School Day on October 8, 2003.

The 2004 event is scheduled for October 4-8, 2004.

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