We asked Walk + Bike to School coordinators to share stories about the most valuable, memorable or successful part of their event last year so that future participants could learn from their words of wisdom. Whether you’re a seasoned coordinator or thinking about planning a Walk + Bike event for the first time, you will find these highlights inspiring and informative.
1. Walking and biking brings the community together.
“Walk + Bike Day became a total community event, including school board members, the mayor, city public works, and guest from NWHF.”
“The sense and feel of community is great. The chance meeting of neighbors along the walk routes and discussions that happen with parents that did not know they lived so close to each other or on the route. The joy of the kids as they walk or ride to school with friends and asking their parents if they can walk every day with their school mates.”
“Learning that there really is interest in walking despite being in a fairly affluent, suburban area where the stereotype might indicate otherwise.”
Kids, parents and teachers join the Walk + Bike to School Day march.
2. Students learn about the health, environmental, and community benefits of walking and biking.
“Acknowledging the value of walking and biking to school was an important lesson for our students. Many of them walk or bike to school without considering how these modes of transportation are more environmentally sustainable.”
“It is a real way that students can make a difference regarding their environmental concerns.”
“We saw less traffic on the road and fewer cars in the parking lot – and more bikes on the bike rack.”
3. Parents and teachers get involved.
“It was wonderful to see so much parent participation, including several walking school buses. We have a high walking/biking population anyway, but this was a nice way to celebrate walking and biking and get more kids and parents involved.”
“Teachers from our school road their bikes and followed the school bus route and picked kids up. It was awesome to see kids waiting with smiles on their faces. I think the kids really enjoyed riding to school with a teacher.”
4. Kids love the incentives and treats.
“On our march to school, we passed through another group of students who were gathering at the corner. There was a little confusion until we realized they were from a different school. Our children were given blinkies, stickers, CLIF bars, but the other kids had hot chocolate, so we shared our incentives!”
“The kids appreciated the treats from Market of Choice, the fire engine, the police escort, and Safe Routes to School.”
5. It’s fun!
“Comments from the kids: “When is the next walk and bike day, this is fun!” “This is the best day of school ever!”"
“My gym filled with bikes and smiling, enthusiastic kids telling me they were going to walk EVERY Wednesday.”
“Seeing the flushed cheeks and rosy, smiling, and proud faces of the participants as they enter the gymnasium.”
Share your own stories.
If you’ve participated in a Walk + Bike event, what was your most memorable or valuable experience? If it’s your first time participating, what are you most excited about bringing to your school with Walk + Bike Challenge Month?
Reply to this blog post or send an email to margaux@bta4bikes.org to share your story.
