On October 7, Webster Hill Elementary School held its second Walk & Roll to School Day, showing up on wheels and foot to school. 

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Walk & Roll to School Day is part of a national movement led by the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

According to the national event registration website, 3,136 events were registered nationwide for October 7, including 52 in Connecticut.

In West Harford, King Philip Middle School, Nordfeldt Elementary School, and Webster Hill Elementary School registered for this October’s event while other local schools have participated in previous years. 

For the October event, families participated in four walking routes and two bike routes designated to cover as much of the Webster Hill district as possible. This is the second Walk & Roll to School Day this year, the first one was held in May.

Extending approximately a mile around the school, the routes connected neighborhoods around Beachland Park, Park Road and Conard High School. 

After their walks and rides, families gathered at the school playground to enjoy CTDOT swag, refreshments and snacks provided by Whole Foods, playtime, and chalk art. Then, students headed to their regular classes, but with a rocking start to the school day!

A special thank you to new Webster Hill principal, Michael Larking, the school administrative staff and security staff, and the Webster Hill PTO for their support and help in making this event possible.  We are grateful to everyone who helped create a welcoming and exciting morning for our students and families.

Walk and Roll with a purpose

The vision extends beyond two special event days each year. The goal is to build year round opportunities for active transportation through walking school buses, bike buses, bicycle skills clinics, pedestrian and bicycle safety education, and e- bike safety awareness. We are looking for more parents and community partners to help these activities grow. 

The long term goal is to connect with other elementary schools across West Hartford so that, as children grow, the movement grows with them.

We envision students carrying these habits and connections into middle school and high school, expanding opportunities for walking, biking and community involvement at every stage of their education. By building a culture of active transportation early, we hope to create a lasting movement that grows alongside our children.

The town has been making progress through improvements such as bike lanes, road diets, and traffic calming infrastructure.

The town’s Vision Zero initiative  works towards preventing traffic related deaths and serious injuries. Safer infrastructure is essential, but building a stronger walking and biking culture also requires residents to reclaim and actively use our public spaces.

“Our streets should bring people together, not simply move cars,” said Webster Hill Walk n Roll team members.

Webster Hill Walk n Roll team invites more families, schools and community members to join them. Together, through safer infrastructure, education, and community participation, the goal is to create a town where walking and biking are safe,  enjoyable, and part of everyday life. 

At Webster Hill, the parent led Walk N Roll initiative is supported by community partners, including Bike West Hartford, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and its Safe Routes to School program, as well as Watch for Me CT, which promotes pedestrian and bicycle safety.

The next national event, Bike & Roll to School Day is on May 5, 2027. The Webster Hill Walk n Roll hope even more families will join for the May event.

Webster Hill Walk n Roll invites others who are interested in working with them. They invite parents, educators, community members, or organizations interested in supporting their efforts at [email protected].

For updates, upcoming events or other ways to get involved, follow the Instagram @webhillwalknroll .

Webster Hill Walk n Roll Team
Yanessa Lasley
Richard McSorley
Viviane Rinaldi
Carolina Ramirez

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