Wheels are Turning for Bike and Roll to School Day
News Release
Denver – As a premier bicycling state, Colorado knows, a bike is so much more than the sum of its parts. For people of all ages, bikes offer exercise, autonomy, scenery, camaraderie, environmental benefits, traffic solutions, and most of all pure joy. The Colorado Department of Transportation is encouraging schools to celebrate the many benefits of actively commuting to and from school by participating in Bike and Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 7. This national annual event promotes and practices bicycle, pedestrian, and road safety among classmates, families, and caregivers.
Formerly known as Bike to School Day, the expanded event name of Bike and Roll to School Day acknowledges the numerous modes of active transportation on wheels. Not only does this day promote the benefits of active transportation, as well as bicycle and road safety for all, it highlights the importance of establishing safe routes to and from school.
“In Lyons, our commitment to Safe Routes to School reflects our community’s commitment to children, safety, and connection,” says Kim Mitchell, Director of Communications and Community Relations with the Town of Lyons. “Bike and Roll Day captures this spirit—with the joy and independence students feel as they walk and ride together. As we improve infrastructure and connectivity, more families are choosing safe, active, and sustainable ways to get to school. Children enjoy the movement and the feeling of independence.”
Organizers are encouraged to register their school events regardless of when they are held at walkbiketoschool.org as a way of tracking participation and showing support for active, healthy, safe transportation. Registrations also assist Colorado’s ranking among other participating states.
This year, CDOT provided dynamic free stickers designed to appeal to all grades on a first-come, first-serve basis. Helpful resources and ideas, including downloadable posters in English and Spanish, can be found on the CDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at codot.gov/programs/bikeped/safe-routes.
Colorado Safe Routes to School is a statewide program of the Colorado Department of Transportation. It works to create and promote safe, accessible, and fun opportunities for kids to walk and bike to and from school.
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
- Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
- Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
- Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
- Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
- Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
Download the COtrip App!
The new free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!