Last Friday was a busy day for many Safer Routes to School Coordinators! In the morning I participated in a Park Rose elementary school’s community bike ride. That morning alone, we rode with over 100 students and adults at all skill levels, practicing safe riding. 
The students enjoyed showing parents and teachers the proper hand signals before we left school grounds. However, not only the students had a wonderful time. I heard teachers, parents, volunteers and students talking, laughing, even singing a song naming all the states as we rode merrily along. 
One teacher later told me that she hadn’t ridden a bike in over 20 years! She had such a good time that she is planning on buying a bike so she can ride with her husband.
That afternoon, I taught Pedestrian Safety at a David Douglas Elementary school. In the next few hours over 100 students and adults put into practice the Pedestrian Safety rules the students learned last week on a short walk through the neighborhood. We were pleasantly surprised to meet up with the Bike Safety Community Ride from a neighboring school. The students waved at each other and smiled as the bikes and pedestrians took turns giving and taking the right of way.
By the end of the day, I was tired but happy. And so were students, parents, teachers, principals, and volunteers across all the Portland School Districts. These people, of all ages, are actively teaching, learning, and practicing safe travel. Good job, everyone. Keep it up.
