This past Wednesday, schools across Minnesota celebrated National Bike and Walk to School Day! It’s even recognized through a proclamation signed by Governor Tim Walz declaring Wednesday May 4th as Bike to School Day in Minnesota.
Do you remember the thrill of riding a bike for the first time or walking or rolling to school on the first day? There’s a feeling of joy and independence—a sense of adventure—that doesn’t fade. Celebrating the joy of moving by biking, walking, or rolling is one of the reasons BikeMN keeps on rolling. When children or families bike, walk, or roll to school, it empowers them to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. When families lace up their sneakers or strap on their helmets to get to school instead of riding in a car, they help reduce the amount of air pollutants emitted by automobiles. And, finally, statewide encouragement of biking and walking promotes safety. An effort BikeMN works toward everyday through our Walk! Bike! Fun! Education and Safety curriculum for educators and students. The curriculum helps children and adults learn safe walking, biking and rolling skills, and can help community members identify safety concerns along school routes that need to be addressed.
This year, BikeMN was elated to participate in Lake Phalen Elementary School’s Bike and Walk Day celebrations by assisting with bike safety lessons in preparation for an off-site ride later in the school year. Our BikeMN intern, Spencer, also particpated in a Slow Roll ride with Minneapolis Public Schools. We even heard from Red Rock Elementary School about their celebrations! We love seeing community-wide celebrations of biking, walking, and rolling, the Minnesota Safe Routes to School Facebook page has even more amazing photos to check out, too!
