An estimated 5,000 Hillsborough County students will walk or bike to class Wednesday, Oct. 7, as 32 schools across the district take part in National Walk & Bike to School Day.

The countywide tally comes from Plan Hillsborough, which announced the registrations Sept. 22. Of the 32 campuses signed up as of that date, 31 are partnering with Sidewalk Stompers, a Tampa-based nonprofit that has helped partner schools secure new crosswalks, school-zone signage and bike racks since launching its first walking program in 2016. About 20,000 students attend the registered schools.

Registration still open for more schools

Schools can still sign up. Families who want to know whether their child's campus is on the list can contact Plan Hillsborough at [email protected] or 813-272-5940.

Full list of participating schools not yet released

No 2026 list of individual school names has been published. Dorothy C. York Innovation Academy in Apollo Beach participated in the 2025 event Oct. 8, 2025, hosting a morning walk from 7:40 to 8:10 a.m. Whether York or other South Shore schools are registered this year has not been confirmed.

Last year, 35 Hillsborough schools took part, according to a city of Tampa announcement. The 2026 count of 32 is three fewer, though the registration window has not closed.

Emily Hinsdale, president of Sidewalk Stompers, said in an Oct. 7, 2025, city of Tampa news release that the day "recognizes the importance of giving children safe and healthy routes to school."

Event ties into U.S. 41 pedestrian safety push

The event dovetails with broader pedestrian safety efforts in South Hillsborough. Hillsborough deputies recently added patrols along U.S. 41 targeting pedestrian crashes, as reported Sept. 23.

National Walk & Bike to School Day is held the first Wednesday of October each year. Families can reach Plan Hillsborough at 813-272-5940 or [email protected] for details on which schools are participating Oct. 7.