CHAMPAIGN/URBANA (Chambana Today) – The schools in Champaign and Urbana are celebrating International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 9. C-U Safe Routes to School Project is working with local elected officials, University of Illinois student athletes, and volunteers to “Walk and Roll” to school.

Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin will be joining the students at Thomas Paine Elementary and Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen will walk with students to the Booker T. Washington STEM Academy.

Officers from the Urbana Police Department will be joining students at Thomas Paine Elementary, Dr. King Elementary, and Leal Elementary schools. University of Illinois student athletes will be joining students at Thomas Paine, Dr. King, and Leal as well.

International Walk to School Day is expected to include more than 5,000 events across all 50 states. Walkers from the U.S. will join children and adults in 40 countries around the world.

Walk & Roll to School Day events aim to create safe routes for walking and cycling, while emphasizing the importance of physical activity among children. The goal is to also spotlight pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, and building connections between families, schools, and the community.

The event is being planned by C-U Safe Routes to School Project, Urbana School District #116, Champaign Unit 4 School District, the City of Champaign, the City of Urbana, the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission, and the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District. For more information on this year’s program, visit: http://www.cu-srtsproject.com.