Safe Routes to School working with you during COVID-19
We are all navigating uncharted territory. Whether you are a school district trying to deliver services in a new way or learning the ropes of working from home, these are challenging times for Minnesotans. At the same time we also see many people taking advantage of local walking paths and bike lanes to get outside, exercise or just ease their minds. Even though classes are not in session, there are many ways students and families can continue to learning about walking and biking safely.
Remember our MnDOT website has tons of helpful information about education, Walk! Bike! Fun! activities and safety advice for people who walk and bike. You can also follow the latest developments across the state related to COVID-19 through the office of Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health.
 Introducing Bike to Anywhere Day
While we won’t be able to get together in person for large-scale events like ‘Bike to School Day’ this spring, we hope individual students and families will get outside on a walk or bike ride when possible. To that end, we are rolling out an alternative to national Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 6. We’re now calling it Bike to Anywhere Day!
That’s right, this year we want YOU to choose your own adventure to celebrate biking! We encourage you to participate in as many elements of this promotional activity as you are able and share your results with us by posting on our Facebook page using “#MNbikeday”. You can also send us a note at saferoutes.dot@state.mn.us.
To our school heroes teaching P.E. and other subjects—you can add these activities and resources to your distance learning curriculum! We understand the mixed messaging of screen time and physical activity, so assign time to bike or walk or learn traffic safety by exploring their neighborhoods built environment. Use the mileage tracker, bike bingo card, crossword, word search, poster coloring contest, or Walk! Bike! Fun! distance learning materials for your health and physical education classes to promote this lifelong activity.
To our parents – get your kids outside and use the mileage tracker, bike bingo card or scavenger hunt to keep kids focused and motivated. And when those pesky ‘April showers’ keep you inside, consider the word search, crossword or poster coloring contest.
Here are some other great ideas for walking and bicycling in your community:
The National Safe Routes to School Partnership also recommends these physical activity resources:
Help us plan the future of Safe Routes in Minnesota!
Join us for a two-hour virtual engagement activity through a Zoom.com where you can help us think through the MnSRTS Strategic Plan over the next five years. This meeting will help us direct funding and resource development to expand SRTS across Minnesota.
Tuesday April 14, 10 a.m.- Noon
- Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/join
- Meeting ID: 322 870 563
- Password: 032308
- One-tap mobile: +16465588656, 322870563#
MnSRTS Network Call
May 14, 10-11:00 a.m.
Join folks from across the state to learn how to address speed near school zones and this common parent concern. We will share MN updates and provide space for a peer to peer exchange.
More about MnSRTS
Find much more information and helpful resources at the Minnesota Safe Routes to School Resource Center
Visit: mnsaferoutestoschool.org.
Follow us on Facebook! facebook.com/MinnesotaSafeRoutestoSchool
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