Lansing, MI - Michigan students will join children from around the globe to celebrate the 12th Annual Bike and Roll to School Day (BR2SD) on Wednesday, May 8.
Initiated by the Partnership for a Walkable America in 2012, BR2SD was born out of the success from Walk and Roll to School Day.
The event is being promoted by the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program at Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF), which is a federally administered program that is administered by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). SRTS programs are designed to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children and their families to walk, roll and bike to school.
“MDOT looks forward to helping students walk, bike, and roll to school safely through the SRTS program at Michigan Fitness Foundation. When routes are more welcoming to cyclists and pedestrians, it’s easier for kids to get the regular physical activity they need for good health,” said MDOT Office of Economic Development Administrator Mike Kapp.
All Michigan schools are invited to participate and host a BR2SD event that can be low-key or as grand as school organizers envision — from inviting students simply bike and roll to school to hosting a bike parade, or organizing a bike train.
"This event makes the school commute fun for everyone. It also helps students connect socially and build their self-confidence," said MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam.
Safe Routes to School programs assess community assets that support students walking and bicycling to school, as well as barriers that may make it difficult or unsafe. The BR2SD event offers the opportunity for schools to emphasize safety and how active transportation can help ease traffic jams and reduce air pollution, unite neighborhoods, and contribute to students’ readiness to learn in school.
“Bike and Roll to School Day is a great opportunity for schools to join the growing community of Michiganders who choose active transportation for their daily commute. By participating in this event, we hope that students, teachers, and parents experience the benefits of biking, rolling, and walking to school and come away with the desire to continue doing it. “said SRTS Director Max Fulkerson.
Last year, Michigan schools ranked fourth in the nation for BR2SD participation and there is still time for schools to register for this year’s event. Registered schools also receive planning assistance from SRTS program staff. To learn more and register for the event, visit https://saferoutesmichigan.org/bike-to-school-day/.