Students in Grand Meadow and Leroy will join 200 other Minnesota schools in the Walk and Bike to School Day on Wednesday.

The annual event is sponsored by Minnesota Safe Routes to School and encourages students and parents to get outside, increase their physical activity, practice pedestrian and bicycle safety, reduce traffic congestion and strengthen connections between families, schools and communities while biking or walking to school.

Grand Meadow elementary and middle school will participate, and Leroy elementary students.

Walk to School Day also encourages parents and community members to begin thinking about the walkability and bikeability of their neighborhoods.