Walk or Bike to School

Every year, Arlington’s commitment to being one of America’s most walkable and bikeable communities gets its most joyful public expression: Walk, Bike, and Roll to School Day, an international celebration that Arlington Public Schools has embraced with genuine enthusiasm. Most recently held in May, the annual event promotes the health, environmental, and community-building benefits of walking and biking to school, with students joining schools, families, community members, law enforcement, and elected officials worldwide in celebrating the joys of active transportation — while raising awareness about the importance of pedestrian and bicycle safety education, safe routes to school, well-maintained walkways, and traffic calming in neighborhoods. Individual schools organize bike trains, walking groups, and outdoor pep rallies, with Arlington County police stopping traffic to allow student cyclists to safely take the lane for their morning commute.

Arlington Public Schools has taught second graders how to ride bikes safely as part of a dedicated curriculum, equipping thousands of students with the lifelong skill and joy of riding — and Walk and Bike to School Day gives those students a chance to practice those skills together in a celebratory setting. The “Us Bus” Walking School Bus program — started by Arlington seniors and supported by a grant from the Arlington Community Foundation — has grown from 8 student “passengers” to 25 over its first three months, creating a free, sustainable, hyper-local school transportation solution where a group of students walk together with one or more adult volunteers on a regular route. Families interested in starting or joining a Walking School Bus can find resources and volunteer coordinator contacts at walkarlington.com. The annual Walk and Bike to School Day is typically held the first or second Wednesday of May  — for 2026, it will be held May 6th.  Check Bike Arlington’s website and Arlington Public Schools site for the exact date each year.