Walk and Bike to School Day was a hit across the state
Students in 184 schools across Minnesota participated in Walk to School Day this year. Governor Walz signed a proclamation for Walk to School Day and hundreds of photos and stories were shared on our social media for the annual photo contest.
Winning Photo – New Ulm Public Schools
Congrats to New Ulm Public Schools for their 2023 winning photo for Walk to School Day photo contest!
 “Our Walk to School Day events consisted of three walking school bus locations across town where parents could drop off their kids, or they could meet to walk to the various school locations. We had kids from four different schools participating, and numerous adult volunteers. Each meeting location split so there were walking school buses available to all four of the schools from all three of our starting locations. This year, we added some portable speakers that some of the adults carried with pump-up jams as well. We invited the mayor, who was unable to attend due to a personal conflict for this specific date, but who has participated in the past and is committed to participating in the future. Anecdotally, we think we had the highest participation rate in the Walk to School Day activities that we've ever had. It was a fun event!” – Brie Taralson, Safe Routes Coordinator for New Ulm Schools
 Congdon Park Elementary School always goes big for Walk and Bike to School days. This year’s remote drop off was a huge success, with all the students getting a walk in before school.
Upcoming Grant Opportunities
Fall funding opportunities are opening this month to help you design your projects, fund infrastructure improvements, or apply for a SRTS Coordinator to help implement strategies from your SRTS Plans.
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Fall 2023:
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Winter/Spring 2023:
Nominate youth for Vision Zero Youth Leadership Award
Has your community made walking and biking safer for youth? Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Vison Zero for Youth Leadership Award.
Any city, county or local tribal government advancing child and youth walking and biking safety, regardless of what the program is called, is encouraged to apply by Dec. 16. The winner will be announced in spring 2024.
Places all over the country have taken steps to make their communities safer for children. This call for nominations is an opportunity to learn about these successes, share what what’s learned, and spotlight exceptional progress.
The Vison Zero for Youth Leadership Award, now in its seventh year, is given annually by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, the FIA Foundation and the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center.
Learn more at www.visionzeroforyouth.org/awards/us.
SRTS in the news:
WCTrib: "Walk and Bike to School Day promotes pedestrian and bicycle safety”
MPR News: "Students Across Minnesota Walk or Roll to School"
KAALTV: "National Walk to School Day"
Northern News Now: "Congdon Celebrates International Walk to School Day"
KTTC: "RPS Students Participate in International Walk to School Day Wednesday"
Upcoming events:
Oct. 31 – Walk! Bike! Fun! Educator Training – St Paul
Nov. 2, 10-11 a.m. – MN SRTS Network Call
Feb. 7, 2024 – Winter Walk to School Day
May 8, 2024 - Bike to School Day
Resources
Check out the web-based Minnesota Bike Map, order free printed MN Bike Maps, and order MN Bicycle Handbooks (English, Spanish, Somali) for your organization’s events!
Learn more about the Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum, bike fleet trailer request, and future training opportunities.
More about MnSRTS
Visit: www.mnsaferoutestoschool.org
Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/MinnesotaSafeRoutestoSchool/
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