Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia City Council signed a proclamation designating October 2025 as "Walk to School Month," joining a regional Walk N Roll initiative that encourages students to walk, bike or roll to school.
“The walking and rolling to school can help enhance a child’s health, physical activity, and school performance,” the proclamation states.
According to a city staff report, transportation is the second-largest source of emissions in Thurston County. Olympia has passed a resolution pledging to reach net-zero emissions by 2040.
City officials believe investing in pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure can help reduce vehicle miles traveled and reach greenhouse gas reduction targets in the Thurston Climate Mitigation Plan.
As part of these efforts, Olympia has plans for infrastructure improvements to safer routes for students and to encourage walking or rolling. The plans include construction of the Westside Bike Corridor, which will connect northwest and southwest neighborhoods to Garfield Elementary, Woodruff Park and Decatur Woods Park.
In 2027, the city is going to partner with the Olympia School District to slow traffic and improve crosswalks near schools using a combination of city funds and school district safety levy funds.
At a council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Intercity Transit Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Nick Demerice said Walk N Roll has expanded to become a countywide effort.
“It is about showing people alternatives and getting them to try something different," he said.
Intercity Transit has also launched programs to support active transportation, including a bike recycling initiative and youth bike safety programs.
Olympia School District Superintendent Patrick Murphy stressed the district’s commitment to safe and active transportation. The school district is also a partner with Intercity Transit on initiatives like Walk N Roll.
“We are fortunate to have strong support from our local police, firefighters and city leaders who are committed to student safety, health and sustainability," Murphy said.
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
TheVirtualOne
I’m not letting my children walk to school in the dark and rainy weather, especially the way people drive now. The roads have become race tracks. And Olympia is now “safe”? Give me a break. Tired of government social engineering and declarations.
Saturday, October 4, 2025 Report this
LindaD
We walked to school without a problem. Up a long hill home. Across town to the beach and back up that hill. We walked everywhere. We didn't know we were in great shape. We had almost no obesity. We did not die.
Surely, there are some routes that are not safe, with no sidewalks or even shoulders on the roads, but mostly, parents, let your kids build some abilities to figure out things without you. They will hopefully be able to do that as adults someday. How do you plan to let them learn these essential life skills? Let your kids build physical endurance, confidence, friendships. Let them walk.
Saturday, October 4, 2025 Report this
CobraCommander
TheVirtualOne, you're soooo close to understanding the efforts to reduce traffic and encourage safer alternatives.
Sunday, October 5, 2025 Report this
HappyOlympian
Thanks Linda D, nothing like parenting advice from a person one does not know.
Sunday, October 5, 2025 Report this
ThinkForMyself
As a parent of 4 whose kids have to go through downtown to get to school: they will never take transit and walk to school. It’s not safe. Too much crime. Too much behavior that used to be criminal (like open drug use, intoxication, etc.). Disastrous policies around homelessness and mental health. No accountability. Our family and friends already avoid downtown businesses. We go to other, safer communities to spend our leisure time and money. The only reason we drive through Olympia (with doors locked) is to get to the other side.
Monday, October 6, 2025 Report this