Maine school students are being urged to use their feet next week.

For the ninth year, Maine schools are participating in the International Walk and Bike to School Week. It urges students and parents to walk or bicycle to school and work at least one day between Monday, Oct. 3, and Friday, Oct. 7.

Last year, more than 1,000 students from 14 Maine towns participated. The week is also marked in 36 countries around the world.

Locally, the event is being coordinated by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, the Maine Bureau of Health and the Maine Department of Transportation.

“It is a great opportunity for families to spend a little extra time with their children and show how walking and biking can be a fun way to get to and from school,” Maine DOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Dan Stewart said in a written statement.

More information is available by calling (207) 623-4511.