International Walk to School Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

International Walk to School Day (IWTSD) is observed each year on the first Wednesday in October, on October 4 this year. The weather is ideal for children to take to the streets and engage in physical activity. IWTSD provides students from around the world with the opportunity to impact the environment. The observance raises awareness and motivates local action to create a safer and more sustainable environment.

The background of International Walk to School Day

International Walk to School Day is an annual celebration that began as a means of promoting walkable communities. It has since developed into a succession of international events held in over 40 countries. Every year, thousands of students from schools around the world partake in IWTSD events in their local communities.

IWTSD was first identified in Britain in the early 1990s. In North America by 1997, the holiday was promoted by the Partnership for a Walkable America. Active and Safe Routes to School began coordinating local school events in 2004. Since then, they have held events at several institutions, building on their prior success.

Participating in the annual IWTSD celebrations are students from institutions across the United States, including the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. Students rally to stroll and spark conversations about creating safer communities, preserving the environment, and adopting health-conscious transportation practices.

IWTSD sheds light on a number of crucial issues, including traffic safety and environmental pollution. It is a significant effort to educate the world on the perils of environmental pollution. Additionally, walking is an excellent form of exercise. Its health benefits are frequently undervalued in comparison to jogging. However, despite being less physically demanding, regular walking is an excellent method to maintain fitness and health.

Thanks to organizers, schools, and students who participate, the holiday continues to acquire popularity over time. Today, we celebrate the significance of this observance and the efforts of those who have made it possible.

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Activities on International Walk to School Day

Share your recollections

The best method to observe IWSTD is by spreading awareness. Share your experiences on social networking sites to raise awareness.

Volunteer

Volunteer at the local organizing association. Ask the organizers of events in your neighborhood how you can assist.

Bring refreshments for the young children!

Pack tiny lunches or distribute refreshing lemonade to the young marchers. Their lengthy journey will likely leave them dehydrated.

5 walking facts that will blow your mind

Seven hours of walking would be required to burn off the calories obtained from consuming fries, a Big Mac, and a super-sized Coke.

The optimal method for weight loss is walking extended distances at a moderate pace.

A 15-minute vigorous walk expends the same number of calories as nine minutes of jogging over the same distance.

In 1970, approximately 66% of students walked to school, whereas today only 13% do so.

At a continuous pace of three miles per hour, it is possible to walk around the world in 347 days.

INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2021	October 6	Wednesday
2022	October 5	Wednesday
2023	October 4	Wednesday
2024	October 2	Wednesday
2025	October 1	Wednesday