Suspended Between Here and There with Not a Care in the World

Today is International Walk to School Day, and this painting (from outside a nearby art gallery) always reminds me of that feeling I get inside when the child I used to be pokes through the years, as she does when I walk to school with my children. Lately, actually, we've been bike riding, which is its own special thrill--how long has it been since you've locked your bike to a school bike rack--and unlocked a flood of memories? I used to walk or ride my bike to and from school every day, in all weather (in New York), and those transitional times, suspended between here and there with not a care in the world, are among the happiest memories of my life.

According to the International Walk to School website, 42 countries are participating in this event this year, which is now designated for the entire Month of October. Here is the interesting history of the international movement (from iwalktoschool.org) to encourage students to get out of the cars and walk to school again.

In 1994, the Hertfordshire County Council's Travelwise team in Great Britain pilots the first walk to school week in the summer term with just a few of its schools.

In 1995, the Pedestrians Association organizes its own first walk to school week, raising the profile of the initiative across Great Britain.

In 1996, the Travelwise Association (numbering about 100 local authorities) joins forces with The Pedestrians Association to hold Walk To School Week during Child Safety Week in Great Britain.

In 1997, in the United States, the Partnership for a Walkable America launches its first walk in Chicago. Later that year, Los Angeles holds a walk. Walk To School Week gets its own dedicated week in mid-May in Great Britain.

In 1998, 16,000 Canadians from 5 provinces join over 170,000 Americans from 58 United States' communities. Great Britain officially launches Walk To School Week in Birmingham and receives National TV News coverage.

In 1999, Ireland joins the walk along with 44 schools from New Zealand. 10,000 schools from Great Britain take part along with 250 schools from Canada, and 525 schools from the United States.

In 2000, the first ever International Walk to School Day took place on October 4th. Canada, Great Britain, United States, Ireland, Cyprus, Gibraltar and The Isle of Man participated. Austrialia and New Zealand plan to coordinate walks throughout the year. Over two and a half million walkers were estimated to have participated.

In 2001, walkers celebrated the second annual International Walk to School Day with an even greater turnout! 21 countries and nearly 3 million people walked to school, making this the largest event yet.

In 2002, 28 countries were involved in International Walk to School Day. Over 3 million people celebrated walking to school on October 2nd, 2002.

In 2003, 29 countries and 3 million walkers participated in International Walk to School Day on October 8, 2003.

In 2004, 36 countries and 3 million walkers participated in International Walk to School.

In 2005, 37 countries and 3 million walkers participated in International Walk to School.

In 2006, 40 countries and millions of walkers participated in the first International Walk to School Month throughout October.

The 2007 event is scheduled for the entire month of October.

See if your country is participating. And take back the sidewalks. Discover your walkshed. Rediscover how it feels to kick a rock, sing a song over and over, wait to cross, wave to neighbors who "friendly-honk" when they pass, and get a rosy morning glow in your cheeks. You (and our children) deserve it.

Suspended Between Here and There with Not a Care in the World