Events

Safe Routes to School Events & Activities Guide

Introduction

Safe Routes to School participation can look different at every school. Some schools choose to host large events, while others focus on classroom activities, family outreach, or ongoing encouragement programs. This guide highlights common Safe Routes to School activities and resources available to Bloomington schools.

Annual Safe Routes to School Events

Bloomington schools are encouraged to participate in three annual events. Each is a different opportunity to celebrate walking, biking, rolling, and active transportation.

• International Walk & Roll to School Day (October)
• Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (November)
• National Bike & Roll to School Day (May)

Ways to Participate

Schools may choose one activity or combine several depending on their capacity and interests.

Promote the Event

• Share event information with families
• Include information in newsletters
• Post on school social media accounts
• Display posters and flyers
• Encourage classroom participation

Walking School Bus

A walking school bus is a group of students walking to school together under adult supervision. Schools can help recruit families, identify routes, and promote participation. One-day event walking school buses can meet at a designated location and walk together. 

Bike Bus

A bike bus is a group of students biking together under adult supervision. Schools can help connect interested families and promote participation. One-day event bike buses can meet at a designated location and bike together. 

Assemblies and Presentations

Schools may choose to host assemblies, classroom presentations, guest speakers, or transportation-themed activities focused on transportation or transportation safety. 

Curriculum and Learning Activities

Safe Routes to School curriculum materials are available for grades K–2, 3–4, and 5–6. Lessons can be taught independently or incorporated into event weeks.

Books and Media

Schools can use transportation-themed books, Ruby Bridges resources, and other materials from the Safe Routes to School book library.

Encouragement Activities

• Provide stickers and other swag (City may have some available)
• Allow for pre-school and post-school games
• Promote route mapping activities
• Safety poster contests
• Transportation-themed art projects

Family Engagement

• Share caregiver resources
• Promote walking school buses and bike buses
• Update handbooks and new year documents with SRTS resources
• Highlight safe transportation options
• Share local transportation resources

Looking for More Ideas?

The Safe Routes to School Idea Book contains additional activities, events, classroom projects, and encouragement strategies that schools can adapt to fit their needs.

City Resources

The City of Bloomington may provide resources to support school participation, including:

• Event graphics and templates
• Newsletter blurbs
• Posters and promotional materials
• Stickers and encouragement items (as available)
• Curriculum and educational resources
• Caregiver information sheets
• Safe Routes to School book library access
• Safe Routes to School lending library access
• Optional technical assistance

Resource availability may vary depending on staff capacity, inventory, and timing. Contact us at [email protected]. 

Shared Citywide Support

The City may provide shared support for Safe Routes to School activities across Bloomington, including:

• Citywide promotion of Walk, Bike, and Roll events
• Press releases and social media posts
• Shared graphics and templates
• Recognition of participating schools
• General Safe Routes to School resources
• Coordination with school champions, PTOs, caregivers, and community partners