SANDPOINT — Grab your warmest clothing, walking shoes or bike helmets in preparation for the annual International Walk and Roll to School Day, which returns Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Students and parents from the Lake Pend Oreille School District will be joining those worldwide in an effort to encourage safety and promote physical activity. The event begins early Wednesday, with participants encouraged to have a pre-planned route or join a group as they head to school. 

“Students will be walking and rolling to school Wednesday, along with parents, teachers and community leaders and partners,” Erin Billings, LPOSD Safe Routes to School coordinator, said in a press release. “Motorists, please be advised to be aware and extra cautious of smaller pedestrians.” 

In areas where walking is not viable, students will be participating in walking events at the schools during Physical Education class or recess. The Walk and Roll to School events are set to begin between 7 and 7:30 a.m. 

There are planned group walks happening at Kootenai, Washington and Farmin Stidwell Elementary schools. Parents can pick up more information about drop off locations at the school offices. 

Students are encouraged to wear brightly colored or reflective items, avoid distractions and walk on sidewalks when available. Billings said that this event helps encourage and teach students pedestrian safety and concern for the environment. 

LPOSD has been taking part in the annual event since 2003 and makes up most schools participating in Idaho, according to walkbiketoschool.org. The idea for a walk to school originated in the United Kingdom, but the came to the United States in 1997 with the first National Walk Our Children to School Day in Chicago.  

The event became known as an international after schools in the UK and Canada joined the U.S. schools in 2000. This year, there are almost 2,700 events celebrating the day across the nation. 

“Walk to School Day events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of increasing physical activity among children,” Billings said. “The event builds connections between families, schools and the broader community.” 

Educators at LPOSD have had a focus on encouraging physical activity with students. Events like Farmin Stidwell’s Bike Bus, a program that runs every Friday until the end of October picking up students who are biking to school along a predetermined route. 

For more information on the Walk and Roll to School Day, parents can contact Billings at [email protected] or pick up information at the school’s office.