Make Bike To School Day Last All Year Long
Bike to School Day is an annual event that happens every May in over 40 countries, where children are encouraged to bike, skate, or walk to school instead of using transportation that burns fossil fuels such as cars and buses. The event aims to promote regular exercise, reduce traffic congestion, promote environmental sustainability, and increase community involvement.
According to the Safe Routes to School, the percentage of children walking or biking around their neighborhood decreased from 50% to 10% between the 1970s and 2001, with adult supervision also declining by 18%. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, there was still participation from some students in 2020 - where an estimated 1,808 schools celebrated Bike to School Day.
One of the most critical aspects of the Bike to School Day event is child safety. Ensuring the safety of children is paramount, and it is essential to highlight a few statistics and resources to help others understand why child safety should be emphasized during this event.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fatalities among bicycle riders 14 years or younger account for around 21% of all bicycle deaths in the U.S. Safe Routes to School also notes that 44% of students who are interested in walking or biking to school, do not because of the lack of safe infrastructure like sidewalks, crosswalks, or bike paths.
There are several ways that parents, communities, and schools can take part in making the Bike to School Day event safer for children. For instance, if you're a parent, always accompany your child to school while biking or walking, supervise them to ensure they're following traffic rules, and equip them with the right safety helmet. These resources help inspire children and parents:
- I’m Safe! On My Bike Activity Book – Helmet use, 1-minute safety challenge, and more.
- I’m Safe! Parent Tip Sheet – Illustrated bicycle safety tips. Customize with your brand!
We understand community and school administrators play a role in creating safer environments for children too whether it be bicycling education programs, building bike-friendly paths, and increasing patrols in areas near school zones. It is also essential to provide education to drivers and other road users about their responsibilities and basic safety guidelines when driving near schools or in areas with high pedestrian activity. Be sure to leverage and keep a lookout for I’m Safe! Reflective Zipper Pulls!
Overall, Bike to School Day is a fantastic initiative that promotes the health and well-being of children, helps develop sustainable lifestyles, and encourages community engagement. Still, it is also vital to prioritize child safety during this event. Let's keep working together to ensure that children are safe and empowered to ride their bikes safely all year long!
