Released May 10, 2010

Media contact
Margo O’Hara
312.427.3325 x224
margo@activetrans.org

2010 Walk and Roll to School Day grant applications now open

Schools are invited to apply for funding to promote Walk and Roll to School Day Oct. 6, 2010. Walk and Roll to School is part of International Walk to School Day and celebrates children getting to school in safe and active ways.

Each October, millions of children, parents, teachers and community leaders across the globe walk, bicycle, skate, scooter or roll to school to celebrate Walk to School Day. It is an energizing event, reminding parents and children alike of the simple joy of walking and rolling to school.

In the United States today, 18 percent of kids walk or bike to school, versus 49 percent in 1969, according to the most recent CDC data (2001).

Grant packages include $500 in cash and a variety of promotional materials and refreshment items. Only individual schools can apply. All public and private schools in Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, Kendall and McHenry counties are eligible.

Walk and Roll to School Day Mini-Grant guidelines and application form is available online at www.activetrans.org/walkandroll. Questions? Contact the Mini-Grant Coordinator at 312.427.3325 x236 or heather@activetrans.org.

Previous grant winners have staged Walk and Roll to School events, including rallies and breakfasts. Some have used the grant for incentives that encourage students to walk, bike and roll to school year-round.

View the 2009 Walk and Bike to School report at www.activetrans.org/walkandroll.

Walk and Roll to School Day Mini-Grant program sponsors are AAA Chicago, Active Transportation Alliance, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Clif, FedEx, Safe Kids, Stakeholder’s Collaboration (Respiratory Health Association) and Village Cycle Center. Partners are the Cook County Department of Public Health, Illinois Principals Association, League of Illinois Bicyclists and Walk Across Illinois.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. Formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is North America’s largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by more than 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

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