The Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) would like to announce that October 7, 2015 is recognized internationally as Walk to School Day. Walk to School Day is an annual event that promotes walking and bicycling. These and other forms of active transportation encourage healthier habits and a cleaner environment.

The day brings awareness to biking and walking in an effort to teach safe pedestrian and bicycling skills to children, show how walkable and bikeable a community is, and identify where improvements can be made. The event also builds connections between families, schools and the broader community. The MPO encourages parents, schools, and community residents to celebrate the day by assisting students in walking and biking to school on October 7.

Walk to School Day began as a simple idea – children and parents, school and local officials walking to school together on a designated day. The day acts as a reminder of the simple joy of walking to school, the health benefits of regular daily activity, and the need for safe places to walk and bike. Contact your local school to see if they are participating in Walk to School Day activities or create your own celebration.

For more information visit www.bismarcknd.gov/mpo and www.walkbiketoschool.org.