October is “Walk and Roll to School Month” in Hunterdon County, and over 800 students across 14 local elementary and middle schools are stepping up to participate! The month-long celebration is coordinated by goHunterdon through the Safe Routes to School program—a nationwide initiative supported by the New Jersey Department of Transportation that promotes safe walking, biking, and rolling to school.
Participating schools include Barley Sheaf Elementary School, Bloomsbury Elementary School, Califon Public School, Clinton Public School, Delaware Township School, Frenchtown Elementary School, Hampton Public School, High Bridge Elementary Schools, High Bridge Middle School, Lebanon Borough School, Milford Public School, Robert Hunter Elementary School, South Hunterdon Regional Elementary School, and Whitehouse School.
Throughout October, these schools are hosting a variety of engaging activities to encourage active transportation and teach students how to travel safely.
Designated Walk to School Days & Walking School Buses
Schools have scheduled special “Walk to School” days, with some organizing Walking School Buses, chaperoned group walks along set routes. These group walks are a fun and social way for students to start their day while reinforcing safe walking habits.
The Golden Sneaker Competition
A little friendly competition adds to the fun. Participating schools are vying for the
coveted “Golden Sneaker Trophy”, awarded to the school with the highest percentage of students who walk or roll to school on their designated day. The trophy will be proudly displayed at the winning school for the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year.
Safety Presentations
Ahead of each school’s walk/roll day, goHunterdon staff are delivering interactive safety presentations. Students learn essential pedestrian and biking skills like crossing the street safely, using crosswalks, and being alert to their surroundings—all in a fun, hands-on format.
“The Smasher” Helmet Safety Demo
One of the most popular demonstrations is The Smasher”, which highlights the importance of wearing a helmet when biking, scootering, or skateboarding. Students witness a dramatic demonstration using a pumpkin—let’s just say the pumpkin doesn’t fare well without its helmet on securely!
Hunterdon County Walk and Roll to School Month is a great opportunity for students to build healthy habits, learn life-saving safety skills, and take pride in making their schools and communities safer, greener places. For more information on goHunterdon’s Safe Routes to School program, contact Nina Lewis, Safe Routes Coordinator, nlewis@gohunterdon.org or visit https://gohunterdon.org/safety/safe-routes/