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Thousands of students and families across the country biked to school throughout the month of May as a part of the third annual National Bike to School Day. In all, 2,222 schools registered Bike to School Day events –a 30% percent increase from last year, setting yet another National Bike to School Day record.
“We are thrilled to see the success of the third annual Bike to School Day,” said Lauren Marchetti, director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School, which coordinates National Bike to School Day. “Participation for this event continues to grow and is all because of the enthusiasm and commitment of thousands of parents, school administrators, elected officials, students and community leaders.”
This year the National Center for Safe Routes to School partnered with Schwinn’s Helmets on Heads program for the Bike to School Day Helmets on Heads Bikeshare Giveaway. Eight schools each were awarded 10 bikes and 20 helmets in weekly drawings leading up to Bike to School Day and one final drawing will be held this week for two more sets of 10 bikes and 20 helmets in recognition of the close of Bike Month. Congratulations to our winning schools!
Bike to School Day is a national event that gives communities across the country the opportunity to join together in bicycling to school on the same day. The event, an exciting celebration for those new to the experience and those who have been two-wheeling to school for years, is part of the movement for year-round safe routes to school, and encourages bicycling to school as a healthy way for kids and families to make their school commute.
National Bike to School Day adds to the excitement surrounding National Bike Month, led by the League of American Bicyclists each May. Based on the Walk to School Day model, Bike to School Day builds off the 16 years of success of International Walk to School Day.For more information on bike and walk to school activities in the United States, visit www.walkbiketoschool.org.
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About the National Center for Safe Routes to School
Established in May 2006, the National Center for Safe Routes to School assists states and communities in enabling and encouraging children to safely walk and bicycle to school. Part of the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center, the National Center serves as the information clearinghouse for the federal Safe Routes to School program with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. The National Center also provides technical support and resources and coordinates online registration efforts for U.S. Walk to School Day and facilitates worldwide promotion and participation. For more information, visit www.saferoutesinfo.org.
Safe Routes to School 