Banner image of children in crosswalk with crossing guard

School Walking Routes

Getting students to school does not have to involve sitting in your car, slowing inching toward the drop-off location in front of the school. Your student can ride the school bus or local transit, or they can walk or ride their bicycle, a scooter, or a skateboard with friends. Check out the walking route maps below to see if you live within a "safe walking route" for your school. 

SAFE WALKING ROUTE Maps

North Thurston 
Public Schools
School Walk Route Maps
Olympia 
School District
School Walk Route Maps		Tumwater 
School District
School Walk Route Maps
Rainier 
School District
Rainier Schools		Tenino 
School District
Tenino Schools		Yelm 
Community Schools
Fort Stevens Elementary
Mill Pond Elementary


The Benefits of Walking

Walking or biking to school supports increased physical activity, helps form healthy habits that can last a lifetime, and decreases the risk of chronic disease and obesity. 

  • Walking one mile to and from school each day is two-thirds of the recommended sixty minutes of physical activity a day.
  • Children who walk to school have higher levels of physical activity throughout the day.
  • Student health has been linked to academic performance. Walking and biking to school can help ensure students arrive ready to learn. 
  • One study found that after walking for 20 minutes, children responded to test questions with greater accuracy and had more brain activity than children who had been sitting. Children also completed learning tasks faster and more accurately following physical activity.
school crossing sign

Additional RESOURCES

Intercity Transit's Walk N Roll Program partners with schools and community organizations to offer activities that educate and encourage youth to walk, bike, roll and take the bus for transportation. The Walk N Roll program strives to create a healthier, safer and more active community. 

Connect with your School Districts Transportation Department