The Pima County Department of Environmental Quality and Bicycle and Pedestrian Program are expecting more than 50 surrounding schools to participate in the annual Walk 'n' Roll to School Day scheduled for April 7.

The annual event recognizes those who practice safe commuting and child traffic safety and encourages children to be physically active, a Pima County release said.

"Thousands of families annually take part in the event by walking, riding bikes, skating, or scooting to school," the release said. "The event is held each spring to encourage active ways for children to get to school and to improve air quality around schools and in neighborhoods."

The event "reduces traffic congestion and provides family members with an opportunity to spend quality time with each other and to connect with their neighbors," the release said.

Schools interested in participating in Walk 'n' Roll to School on April 7 are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible. Participating schools will receive a safety prize for each student actively commuting to school; those registering by March 15 will receive a kick scooter while supplies last, the release said.

Schools that want to participate in the event should contact the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program at 520-724-BIKE.