Walk and Bicycle to School Day: May 1

April 26, 2013
A poster for last year's Safe Routes to School poster contest - Image (c) Bedford Center for the Arts, all rights reserved
Announcing last year’s Safe Routes to School poster contest – Image (c) Bedford Center for the Arts, all rights reserved

Submitted by Healthy Bedford coordinator Carla Olson

Bedford students, along with thousands of elementary and middle school-aged children, their parents, teachers, and administrators will celebrate Massachusetts Walk and Bicycle to School Day on Wednesday, May 1  during events promoted through MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School Program.

MassDOT’s Safe Routes to School program works with students, parents, school staff and local police departments, walking and biking enthusiasts and other supporters across the Commonwealth to promote walking and bicycling to school.  Increasing the number of students who walk and bicycle to school helps improve students’ health, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality in Massachusetts communities.

According to the US Department of Transportation, fewer than 16 percent of children walk or bicycle to classes.  School-related traffic can contribute more than 10 percent of morning rush hour traffic volumes in some communities, as well as significant air pollution. MassDOT established the Massachusetts Walk to School Day in 2007 to encourage healthy choices.  Bedford has been participating since 2008.

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“Massachusetts Walk and Bicycle to School Day reminds us that walking to school can be a fun, healthy and safe way to get to school,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.  “These efforts strongly support our goals of promoting healthy transportation modes through the GreenDOT initiative and Healthy Transportation Compact.”

For more information on how you can participate this Wednesday and in the future, see your school newsletter or visit  www.bedfordma.gov/bedfordinmotion

Walking will happen rain or shine.  In the event of inclement forecast biking will be rescheduled as needed.  Notification will go out, and information will also be available on the Bedford In Motion Facebook page.

Davis School

Celebratory Walk from the Lutheran Church Parking lot, beginning at 8:45 AM (not a drop off event, parents accompany children)

Lane School

Walkers: Meet at 8 am at St. Paul’s Church, for an approximate 1 mile (30 minute walk) This is a chaperoned event (parents and town officials will be present) or meet at 8:20 am at Middlesex Community College overflow lot for approximate 1/4 mile (10 minute walk) No chaperones, but greeters will be available to launch students (and interested parents) on the walk.

Cyclists: Meet at 8 am in Marshall’s rear parking lot, for approximate 1.5 mile (20 minute bike ride) Don’t forget a Helmet!!!!  Chaperones will lead the ride

Return Trip – biking to Marshall’s only: meet at Lane School at 1:10PM, then 1:40PM pick up by parents at Marshall’s

 

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