SUNDERLAND — The state Department of Transportation recently recognized more than 140 partners of the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, which encourages taking non-vehicular modes of transportation to school.

But representatives from Sunderland Elementary School, one of the institutions recognized, were unable to attend the ceremony. That’s because it was held the same day as the spring Walk and Roll to School Day — when many students, parents, and faculty decide to commute to school by walking or taking bicycles, scooters or roller blades as part of the SRTS Program.

“The response has been tremendous,” said Matt Howell, organizer of the school’s program, adding that this is the seventh year a Walk and Roll to School Day has been held in Sunderland. The event is now held once in the spring and once in the fall. The May 30 event, Howell said, had roughly 300 participants, including about 140 students.