Activities support pedestrian, bicycle safety
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Thousands of Minnesota students are gearing up for Bike and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 6, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation encourages more schools to get involved.
More than 150 Minnesota schools are expected to participate. MnDOT and Minnesota Safe Routes to School sponsor the event each year. They also offer resources for schools and parents online, including learning activities and a mileage tracker.
While the focus for this event is on schools, the lessons learned can carry far into adulthood.
“Learning how to safely bike or roll is a lifelong skill, and it’s a great activity to do in a group setting,” said Kelly Corbin, MnDOT Safe Routes to School coordinator. “Bike to School Day is a fun way for kids to learn about safety and explore their community on wheels. These events also remind us how important it is to make it easier for kids to be able to get to where they want or need to go.”
Students and families can participate in a variety of ways. They can bike or walk to school directly from home, join a “walking school bus” or a “bike train” a few blocks from school or have their parents drop them off a few blocks away so they can get the experience of pedaling to school with their friends. Many schools also offer bike safety education events throughout the school day like bike rodeos or taking a field trip by bike.
How to register and more information
Schools can still register for Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day events. Additional materials are available online to support year-round walking and biking activities. More information is available at MnDOT’s SRTS website.
The Bike and Roll to School Day is just one way that MnDOT’s Safe Routes program encourages people to consider pedestrian safety. Schools, districts, teachers, parents and community members can also participate in the MnSRTS Yard Sign Design Contest. This contest, open to students in grades K-12, encourages young artists to depict the theme of “Kids on the Move – Slow Your Speed.” The contest deadline is May 16, and more information can be found on the MnSRTS website.
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www.mndot.gov
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