Students in NC and across the country biking, walking and rolling to school on Wednesday

Students and parents will meet at Chavis Park in Raleigh to walk or bike to Moore Magnet Middle School as a group.

They are among thousands across the state who will be doing the same on Wednesday for Bike, Walk & Roll Day, an annual event meant to encourage physical activity and highlight the importance of safe school routes.

Nationally, about 10% of students walk or bike to school. In Wake County, that number is closer to 5% of students.

In Durham, where some elementary schools feature a roadway design and routes that encourage walking to school, those schools see a 10% to 20% of walkers or bikers.

Kristen Brookshire, community transportation planner for Durham Public Schools, said a more inviting walk-to-school environment "could look like streets with lower driver speeds and vehicle volumes; more dedicated space for walking and biking; conspicuous and accessible crossing locations; and a robust network of transit options.”

Durham Public Schools has multiple Bike, Walk & Roll events planned in May. On Wednesday, after the morning bell, every student at Merrick-Moore Elementary School will be invited to walk with staff across Cheek Road (which will be temporarily closed to traffic) and back to campus.

Pearsontown and Glenn elementary schools will observe the event on Friday, and Spring Valley will participate on May 18.

The goal of Wednesday's initiative is to encourage more families to consider this option and to bring attention to obstacles that might be getting in the way.