Walk, Bike, and Roll
Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a national movement to make it easier and safer for students to walk, bike, and roll to school. We work with the Seattle Department of Transportation to improve safety around schools and to support students to walk, bike, and roll.
Bike, walk and roll to school in May to celebrate National Bike Month! Order FREE packages (by March 29) to supply your group, play bike/walk/roll Bingo, and track your movement for a chance to win a prize. Contact Brooke for support starting a group or organizing an event at your school.
Registration Now OpenWho’s biking?
Why Walk, Bike, and Roll (wheelchair, scooter, skate, etc.)?
For the earth!
Transportation is Seattle’s largest source of climate emissions. When we drive less, emissions go down in a big way.
For your health!
Students who walk and bike get exercise built into their daily routine. Studies show that students arrive at school more attentive and ready to learn. Studies also show that students are happier.
For your school!
School pick-up and drop-off can be hectic with lots of idling cars in the same space. Walking, biking, and rolling reduces that congestion around schools and makes the air cleaner to breathe.
For freedom!
“In addition to the physical exercise and fresh air, walking to school helps kids develop independence and take responsibility for getting themselves to and from school on time.” Learn more about the benefits and recommendations for when kids can walk to school alone.
For fun!
Walking, biking, and rolling on your own or with friends can connect neighbors to each other, and it’s just a fun way to be outside and part of the neighborhood.
How many students are walking, biking, and rolling to school?
About 1/3 of Seattle Public School students walk or bike to school most days!
Resources and Support
Contact the SPS Safe Routes to Schools Coordinator, Brooke Nelson, for support with your programs, events, and routes.
Getting the Word Out to Your School
You know your school community best! But here are ideas to spread the word about your walking or biking activity.
- Students can make posters in a class or afterschool program and post around the school. If your school has a Green Team, they might want to be involved too.
- Staff can login to MySPS to access flyer templates for events throughout the year
- School leadership could put info in the school newsletter. They can also send text messages to families that are automatically translated into different languages through “Talking Points.” (limit 600 characters)
- If there’s a student newspaper, it could include info and/or spotlights of students who walk and bike to school.
- School PTSAs often have a Facebook page, webpage, and email lists to get the word out.
- Contact Brooke to present to your PTSA
- The Seattle Public Schools and Seattle Department of Transportation communications teams are happy to spotlight events and students in social media. Local media and neighborhood blogs are often willing to spotlight events too.
- Teachers can share with their classes. Physical Education teachers can be great people to ask!
- Write a message in sidewalk chalk outside the school or along a walking/biking route.
- School leadership can share in the morning announcements.
- Teachers and students can share at a school assembly (contact Brooke for skit ideas).
- Does your school have a reader board out front? Your school admin can put a message about your activity up there.
- And probably most effective is word of mouth!
Taking the bus or light rail to school
Everyone 18 and under is free on all transit in the region (bus light rail, ferry, etc.). An Orca card is encouraged but not required.
Download this app to know when your bus is coming (in real time): OneBusAway
Use King County Trip Planner (webpage and app) to plan your bus route. Google Maps can also help find the best option.
Metro Flex is available in a few regions of the County. You can use an app or call a number for a Metro Flex van to pick you up and drop you off anywhere in the region – including school!
Find sample transit routes and tips on the ORCA card and public transit SPS webpage.
About Walking, Rolling, and Biking to School
Translations: Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Vietnamese, Somali, and Amharic