Along for the ride: Students statewide participating in Bike to School Day, May 6

Drivers urged to use extra caution, share the road 

OLYMPIA – Hundreds of elementary and middle school students from schools and communities across the state will be participating in the national Bike to School Day Wednesday, May 6. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists as part of National Bike Month, Bike to School Day encourages students to bicycle for transportation, better health and a cleaner environment. 

With an increased number of children bicycling to school and warmer, drier weather forecast, the Washington State Department of Transportation reminds drivers to share the road and use extra caution around young bicyclists, who may not be as experienced as older riders. 

“We’re working with communities to add sidewalks and bike lanes near schools through our Safe Routes to School program,” said Transportation Secretary Lynn Peterson. “The program’s goal is to make it safer and easier for kids to walk or bike to school.” 

During the past 10 years, the Safe Routes to School program has provided $49 million for 136 projects in 41 school districts and 230 school locations. Recent projects have resulted in as much as a 33 percent increase in the number of students walking and bicycling. 

In addition to reducing congestion and vehicle emissions around school zones while providing children safe access for biking and walking to and from school, Bike to School Day promotes an active lifestyle, encouraging students to exercise and maintain their health. 

“Encouraging kids to bike to school—and providing safe routes and education on how to do so safely—is good for the environment and promotes healthy activity that will help us build Washington’s Healthiest Next Generation,” said Secretary of Health John Wiesman. 

Last September, Gov. Jay Inslee launched the Healthiest Next Generation Initiative to improve children’s health in Washington state. The goal of the initiative is to help children maintain a healthy weight, enjoy active lives, and eat well in places where they spend the most time, including schools and their communities.