Walk n' Roll

Illustration that reads "Walk n' Roll"

What is Walk n’ Roll?

Walk n’ Roll is a program designed to increase the number of kids who walk and bike to school. We teach safe walking and biking skills, like crossing streets and why we use bike helmets. We also support events like Walk n’ Roll Days, so kids can use those safety skills. Parents and caregivers can get involved, too – not sure how? Our Walk n’ Roll staff is here to help you so you can energize your school’s Walk n’ Roll program! Email us at walknroll@sanjoseca.gov, if you want to bring Walk n' Roll to your school.

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Watch our Street Safety Assembly! Learn how you can get to school safely, whether you walk, roll, bike, or travel by car.

An instructor teaching a student on a bicycle about bicycle safety

Why Walk n' Roll?

Years ago, almost 50 percent of kids living within two miles of their school walked or biked. Today, fewer than 10 percent of our children travel to school by foot or by pedal. We aim to increase walking and biking among our youth by using low- and no-cost strategies. Some of these strategies include guided walking groups, safety education, and designated “Walk n’ Roll” days. These strategies can help kids develop healthy transportation behaviors for life.

A large group of children, families, and teachers walking

What are the benefits?

Physical health: The CDC recommends that children ages six to 17 get at least an hour of physical activity daily.
Academic performance: Math and reading skills have shown to be the most improved academic skills for children who get regular exercise.
Mental health: The American Psychological Association (APA) found that children who get daily exercise have lower levels of stress and depression.
Sense of community: You could wave to neighbors, stop for a quick chat, and see your neighborhood in a way that you might not notice while driving. Additionally, the presence of more people out and about reduces crime and blight.
Air quality: If you commit to walk to and from school for the entire school year, you can save almost 200 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. Imagine how much better our air would be if thousands of students followed this example!

How does it work?

Walk n’ Roll recognizes that increasing the number of students who walk and bike to school requires a multi-pronged approach. We call this the “6 E's,” which are: Closeup of children walking

Equity: Address the needs and concerns of marginalized communities. We do this by bringing residents into the discussion and treating them as partners in planning.
Evaluation: Work with parents, school staff, and community members to understand the challenge and measure success.
Engineering: Incorporate pedestrian and bicyclist safety into street design.
Education: Teach children how to walk and bike safely. We can teach safety through presentations and hands-on skill-building exercises.
Encouragement: Fun activities designed to motivate children to try walking and biking to school.
Enforcement: Deter unsafe behaviors by drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.

Who leads the program?

Each of the 250+ schools in San José has a unique community. So, each school leads their own program with as much support and guidance from the City of San José’s Walk n’ Roll staff as needed.

Children riding their bicycles during a bicycle safety class

Either school principals, teachers, or parent volunteers lead their schools' Walk n' Roll programs. It’s our goal to make the program as effortless as possible for schools and their families.

How can I bring Walk n’ Roll to my school?

We’re glad you asked! We’re happy to help parents, teachers, school administrators and students start Walk n’ Roll programs at their schools. Please reach out to us by email at walknroll@sanjoseca.gov.