National Bike to School Day is Wednesday, May 4, and the Indiana Safe Routes to School Partnership and Health by Design are encouraging schools and parents statewide to take part. More than 45 schools participated last year, and organizers hope to see that number increase this year.
Despite evidence that walking and biking provides physical benefits – as well as reduces neighborhood traffic congestion, household costs and auto emissions – the vast majority of students arrive at school in a vehicle.
In fact, within the span of one generation, the percentage of children walking or bicycling to school has dropped precipitously, from approximately 50 percent in 1969 to just 13 percent in 2009.
“Bike to School Day is an opportunity to increase the visibility of bicycling and emphasize the benefits of healthy transportation options – like walking and biking – for youth and families,” said Kim Irwin, who coordinates Health by Design and the Indiana Safe Routes to School Partnership.
“We loving seeing entire communities – school staff, public officials, parent teacher organizations, law enforcement and community leaders – take part.”
Indiana school communities may register for the May 4 event on the national website, www.walkbiketoschool.org. So far, participating Indiana schools are in Carmel, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Logansport, Mackey, Westfield and Zionsville.
While National Bike to School day is a designated date each May, schools and communities are encouraged to organize walk and bike to school events throughout the year. Get tips on how to organize an event at www.walkbiketoschool.org.
The Indiana Safe Routes to School Partnership works to increase the number of children safely walking and biking to school throughout the state by sharing information, resources, technical assistance and ideas. It is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Health by Design and comprised of government, community, health and education organizations. For more information, visit www.healthbydesignonline.org.