GUELPH, ON – The Upper Grand District School Board is celebrating iWALK/iWHEEL month this October, as well as iWALK/iWHEEL day on October 4. As part of this month, students, parents/guardians and staff are encouraged to walk, wheel or roll to and from school throughout the month, where able and where it is safe to do so.
There are many benefits to walking or wheeling to school including healthier students, less air pollution and less traffic making for safer school zones.
IWALK/iWHEEL month is an international event that encourages students to be active on their journey between home and school. During iWALK/iWHEEL month students from more than 40 countries will walk, bike or wheel to and from school.
Participating in iWALK/iWHEEL month can allow students and parents/guardians to be good role models, work together to plan a walking or riding route, make new friends by looking for a walking buddy and learn about the rules of the road and pedestrian safety.
If you’re unable to walk, wheel or roll to school because of distance, you can always park a block or two away and walk or wheel the rest of the distance. If you’re a bus student, you can always get active during recess.
The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) committee is also encouraging schools to celebrate by organizing a Walk/Wheel To School or Walk/Wheel At School event. For schools with bused students, encouraging students to take a walk around the school yard at lunch or before bell time is another way that students can participate in this global event!
Send us pictures of you walking or wheeling to school this month using #iWALK and #iWALK2School and tagging @ugdsb on Twitter and @UpperGrand on Instagram. Don’t forget that October 4 is iWALK/iWHEEL day!
Visit the Ontario Active School Travel website for more information and resources on active school travel and resources for International Walk to School Month.
