Around the country, including in Maryland, schools are encouraging more children to walk and bike to and from school as part of today's Walk to School Day.

The event is also intended to highlight the federal State Routes to School program, which provides funding to allow schools and communities to retrofit roads and create sidewalks and bicycle paths.

The Maryland Department of Transportation has designated $10.3 million to schools and jurisdictions around the state, according to Patrick McMahon, organizer for Maryland Safe Routes to School Network. There is an additional $3.5 million available, and applications are due to the state Highway Safety Office on Nov. 5.

Advocates say walking and bicycling to and from school can help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases as well as help children stay fit and improve their well-being.

I walked to school every day because school busing was not an option for kids in my one-square-mile town.

Did your children participate in the event? Do the walk or bicycle to school regularly? Are there barriers for children to walk to school?