Spring is in full bloom, adding even more flourish to the year-round invitation to explore Colorado from the freedom of two wheels. The Colorado Department of Transportation is encouraging schools to celebrate the many benefits of actively commuting to and from school by participating in Bike and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 8.
This national annual event promotes and practices bicycle, pedestrian, and road safety among classmates, families, and caregivers.
Formerly known as Bike to School Day, the event name was expanded to Bike and Roll to School Day last year in acknowledgement of the numerous modes of active transportation on wheels. Not only does this day promote the benefits of active transportation, as well as bicycle and road safety for all, it highlights the importance of establishing safe routes to and from school.
While Walk and Bike and Roll to School events have traditionally received the greatest participation among elementary schools, over the years momentum has steadily developed at the middle and high school levels, too. This year, CDOT provided free stickers on a first-come, first-serve basis that were specifically designed to appeal to all grades.
“We are having a Bike and Roll to School Week at our school and will be passing out prizes throughout the week,” says Ben Mayer, 7th Grade Science Teachers and IB Coordinator of Lesher Middle School in Fort Collins. “We hope to show students they can safely roll to and from school all year, empowering our middle school students to find their wheels as a safe way to open the doors to all our community has to offer; we really appreciate the free stickers from CDOT.”
Organizers are encouraged to register their school at walkbiketoschool.org as a way of tracking participation and showing support for active, healthy, safe transportation. Registrations also assist Colorado’s ranking among other participating states.
Those interested in celebrating Bike and Roll to School Day can find helpful resources and ideas, including downloadable posters in English and Spanish, on the CDOT’s Safe Routes to School website.