Step, Pedal, and Roll: Dubuque Celebrates National Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day

Getting active is such a huge part of healthy growth and body maintenance. Dubuque has an abundance of beautiful places to explore, hike, and enjoy, but tomorrow (October 8th), it's all about adding exercise to your basic everyday routine. In fact, celebrating National Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day every day could go a long way towards promoting healthy development and reducing traffic congestion. And parents, you can get involved too!

According to a recent City of Dubuque news release, the city, in partnership with the Dubuque Safe Routes to School Committee, is encouraging students to walk, bike, scooter, or skateboard to school on Wednesday. The goal? To promote safer, healthier, and more sustainable ways for kids (and families) to get where they’re going.

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Students across all Dubuque Community and Holy Family Catholic schools are invited to take part. Some schools are even hosting walking school buses, where groups of families and students walk to school together along designated routes. It’s like carpooling, but with sneakers instead of seatbelts.

The Safe Routes to School Committee says the benefits of walking, biking, or rolling to school go far beyond fitness. These active commutes can help improve both physical and mental well-being, increase student focus and learning outcomes, reduce traffic congestion, and build a stronger sense of community. Not to mention, fewer cars on the road mean cleaner air and reduced emissions. That's a win-win for everyone, even those who don't participate.

National Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day is also about raising awareness of pedestrian and cyclist safety. Between our young teen drivers (I have one at home now) to the older, we'll say "more experienced" drivers, safety needs to be at the forefront. Encouraging drivers to slow down and be mindful of those traveling under their own power is a necessary and needed reminder. And, safer streets make for stronger, healthier neighborhoods. Parents, you could even get involved and take a day off from driving. I mean, it wouldn't hurt that belt line (and that's coming from a guy who likes his food).

So tomorrow morning, take a few extra minutes to roll with it. Grab your helmet, lace up your walking shoes, and start the day moving. Whether you’re a student heading to class or a parent joining the journey, you’ll be helping make Dubuque a more connected, active, and eco-friendly community. All it takes is one step (or pedal) at a time.

Still curious about the initiative or making it a viable solution for your family's travel needs? You can find more information by visiting WalkBiketoSchool.org or by contacting Jason Duba with the Dubuque Safe Routes to Schools Committee at 563-589-4223.

There's Even More to Explore in Dubuque!