Bike & Roll to School Day is Wednesday, May 4th!
Set your alarm a few minutes early on Wednesday, May 4th and join your neighbors for National Bike & Roll to School Day. Bike & Roll to School Day events shine a spotlight on many issues communities care about, like creating safer routes to school, building a sense of community or school spirit, and inspire families try something new and encourage those who already practice this healthy habit.
Why Walk, Bike or Roll to School?
It’s fun! Remember the thrill of riding a bike for the first time or walking or rolling to school on the first day? There’s a feeling of joy and independence—a sense of adventure—that doesn’t fade. Of course, there are many other benefits to walking, biking or rolling to school, too.
Healthier Habits
Active trips to school enable children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones, muscles and joints, and it decreases the risk of obesity. In contrast, insufficient physical activity can contribute to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and stroke.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that children and adolescents get one hour or more of physical activity each day. Research suggests that physically active kids are more likely to become healthy, physically active adults, underscoring the importance of developing the habit of regular physical activity early.
Benefits in the Classroom
The small investment of time to walk, bike or roll to school, rather than drive, pays off in the classroom as well. Research cited by the CDC states that kids who are physically active tend to concentrate better, remember what they learned, and have more on-task time than their inactive peers.
Improving Safety for All
Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day events are great ways to promote a broader message of safety and support for safe, active travel in general. By starting with children and the trip to school, communities become safe places for everyone to walk, bike, and roll. Safety measures aimed at protecting youth – such as controlling speed, having ample crosswalks, and improving walking and biking facilities on school routes – have broader effects that benefit the entire community.
Walk, Biking & Rolling to School Benefits the Environment
Walking, biking, and rolling to school encourages a healthy lifestyle that has the potential to aid in the battle against climate change. Active travel modes, such as walking and biking, can replace many of the short car trips we make throughout the day – including those to school.
Excited to celebrate Bike & Roll to School Day? Learn more about how to encourage your school to plan an event, visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School. Happy biking & rolling to school!