The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program will celebrate International Walk to School Day on October 7, 2009 with the launch of the “Walk It Bike It to School, Connecticut!” contest. Students are challenged to walk or bike to and from school while competing against other classrooms across the state to see who can be the first to walk or bike the distance of the perimeter of Connecticut, 375 miles.

“Walk It Bike It to School, Connecticut!” encourages children, parents, schools and communities to set up safe and convenient biking and walking routes for students. All Connecticut public and private school students (Grades K-8) of all physical ability levels are eligible and encouraged to participate. Children with disabilities are encouraged to participate.

Starting October 7, 2009, teachers or other school faculty can register their class online at www.walkitbikeitct.org, where they can track their progress.

“Walking or biking to school is a healthy and feasible alternative to taking motorized transportation,” says Sharon Okoye, Connecticut’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator. “I am very excited to kick off this fun initiative, which will give students and families even more motivation and inspiration to walk or bike to school.” 

Prizes will be awarded midway through the school year to the first three classes in the state to complete 375 miles. In May 2010, the three classes that log the highest total number of miles will be recognized and awarded prizes.

Visit www.walkitbikeitct.org for registration and other information.

What is the Safe Routes to School Program?

The SRTS Program was established in August 2005 as part of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The objective of this federally funded initiative is to encourage more students in grades kindergarten to eighth grade (Grades K-8) to walk and bike to school, as opposed to other transportation alternatives; thereby encouraging a more healthy lifestyle. General program information is available on the Connecticut SRTS website: www.ctsaferoutes.org. Questions can be forwarded to the Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Ms. Sharon Okoye, via e-mail at sharon.okoye@ct.gov.