URBANA, Ill. (Chambana Today) — Students, families, and local leaders will take to the sidewalks and bike lanes on Wednesday, October 8, as Urbana schools participate in International Walk & Roll to School Day, part of a worldwide effort to promote safer, healthier, and more connected communities.
The C-U Safe Routes to School Project, in collaboration with Urbana School District #116, Urbana High School PTSA, and several city and regional partners, is organizing the event to encourage students to walk or bike to school.
Local leaders will be joining in the celebration. Urbana Mayor DeShawn Williams, Deputy Chief of Police Zachery Mikalik, City Council Member Maryalice Wu, and other city staff will accompany students at Leal Elementary School. Meanwhile, Police Chief Larry Boone and Lieutenant Michael Cervantes will participate in events at Urbana High School.
Walk & Roll to School Day emphasizes key community values like pedestrian safety, physical activity, traffic reduction, and environmental awareness, while also building strong ties between families, schools, and neighborhoods.
More than 5,000 events across all 50 U.S. states are expected to take place as part of the global initiative, which unites children and adults from over 40 countries.
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