1. Get partners and form a team

Include students, parents, teachers, community members, law enforcement officers, CAPS representatives, and local officials. Get an endorsement from the school principal. Talk to the Local School Council or PTA.

Letter to Principal
CAPS contacts
Walk and Bike to School facts
Why we need Walk and Bike to School Day

2. Start Planning

Decide on your day-of event activities. Register your event at the national web site: www.walktoschool-usa.org.

Sample Schedule
Event Ideas
Walking School Bus

3. Recruit Voulenteers

Check with the Local School Council, PTA, neighborhood association, and school staff. You will need volunteers to help establish routes, walk children to school, or help with the day’s celebration activities. Contact the school crossing guards and parent patrol.

Parent Recruit letter
Recruit Flyer
Sponsor letter

4. Plan For Safety

Provide basic pedestrian and bike safety information to adults and students that are walking and biking. Contact your local police department for help on the day of the event. Invite Mayor Daley’s Safe Routes Ambassadors to give safety presentations to students.

Pedestrian Safety
Bike Safety
Driving Safely
Request form

5. Promote Your Event

Get the word out: include information in your school newsletter, distribute flyers to students, parents, the local library, community centers, grocery stores, parks, and other public places. Encourage classroom and school activities. Seek community support like endorsements from local officials, donation of prizes from business, and local media coverage. Send out press releases. Have the Principal make ongoing announcements in the days before the event, and have teachers remind students. Have students make signs and banners.