Students, families, school staff and community members across Baldwin County will step outside the classroom Oct. 7 for National Walk and Roll to School Day, an annual event focused on healthy habits, pedestrian safety and community connections.

The Baldwin County Safe Routes to School Coalition is leading the countywide effort, joining schools and communities across the country in celebrating the fall event.

Participating schools will organize their own Walk & Roll events, with specific details determined by each school. In general, families, students and school staff will meet at designated locations no more than a mile from their school before traveling together.

The event is designed to turn the regular trip to school into a community celebration while encouraging physical activity, safer streets and stronger connections among neighbors.

Organizers said the event also highlights the broader impact of choosing to walk or roll to school, including potential benefits for individual health, neighborhoods and the environment.

Participating schools include Florence B. Mathis Elementary, Foley Elementary, Gulf Shores City Schools, Orange Beach Elementary, St. Patrick Catholic School, Fairhope West Elementary, Fairhope East Elementary, Daphne Elementary, Bay Minette Elementary and Summerdale School.

Fairhope East Elementary will hold its event Oct. 9 rather than Oct. 7.

Families interested in participating should contact their local school for information about meeting locations and event details. Organizers encourage community members to participate by walking, rolling or supporting students along the way.

For more information, contact Jessica Mayo, Safe Routes to School coordinator, at Jessica.Mayo@baldwincountyal.gov.