ROCHESTER, Minn. – Students and families are encouraged to walk, bike, scoot, or roll to school on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, to celebrate International Walk to School Day.
Rochester Public Schools (RPS) and Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) encourage all students and their families to celebrate International Walk to School Day by taking one less trip by car for healthier kids, families, communities, and a healthier planet!
Students within walking distance of school throughout Olmsted County are encouraged to walk to be active, reduce school traffic, and support safe, walkable communities. International Walk to School Day is an excellent opportunity for families and students to find the safest route to school. They can also meet neighbors and explore the paths to their favorite destinations on foot, scooter, or bike.
Families may also enter a statewide photo contest by posting a picture of the trip with the hashtag #mnwalks.
Students who can take an active route to school take a step toward a healthy lifestyle by developing a habit of daily activity. They begin the school day ready to concentrate and learn.
Those who don’t walk can also support a healthy community by making it safer for students. To avoid extra traffic congestion around schools, take the bus if it is available rather than individual family vehicle trips. Drivers are asked to be alert to pedestrians and bikers, slow down in school zones, yield to walkers and bikers, and refrain from distracted driving activities.
RPS and OCPHS are hosting a walk-to-school event at Ben Franklin Elementary School. Special guests will guide students on walks starting around 9 a.m. The event concludes when school begins at 9:25 a.m.
Gather to Walk location: Friendship Park, 1421 4th Avenue SE Rochester, MN 55904
- The walk is .9 miles to Franklin, a 25-30 minute walk.
- Gather in the park, leave by 8:30, and arrive at school by 9:00. Bell rings at 9:10.
RCTC Yellow Jackets Football Team will lead the walk.
Park and walk location: 505 20th St SE, Rochester, MN 55904
- The walk is .3 miles to Franklin, a 10-minute walk.
- Gather at the parking lot, leave at 8:50, and arrive at school by 9 a.m. Bell rings at 9:10 a.m.
Slider will lead the walk.
Hi 5s at the Crossing Guard location at 20th St SE and 9th Ave SE
- Greet walkers from the SE.
RCTC football players will greet walkers as they pass.