Hundreds of kids got a fresh breath of morning air today as they biked, walked, and scooted their way to school for the annual Bike, Walk, & Roll to School Day. Four Philadelphia schools including William H. Meredith, Edward Gideon, George W. Nebinger, and Southwark Elementary greased the wheels on this health-conscious and eco-friendly initiative, which involved over 100 elementary students and their cheerleaders - parents and faculty.
Over at Southwark School, Principal Andrew Lukov is pushing pedals toward positivity. "Bike, Walk, and Roll to School Day helps Southwark School build a positive relationship with our students and community," Lukov said, as per a city press release. Lukov proudly described the newly installed Walking School Bus, destined to rally the troops for daily attendance and communal travel.
It’s not just about the journey, but also about safety according to Safe Routes Philly, the masterminds behind the local event. The program promotes bicycle and pedestrian safety among the youth and serves as part of the larger Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS).
William H. Meredith Elementary School's principal, Brian R. Wallace, appreciates the day's bigger picture. "As a caring community, Meredith participates to bring together faculty, students, families, and the community to celebrate active transportation," Wallace explained. With safe travel as the day’s riding theme, kids also scored participation stickers and learned a thing or two from traffic safety educational materials provided by Safe Routes Philly staff, as per the City of Philadelphia press release.
George W. Nebinger Elementary School's principal, Ayana Townsend, also chimed in, adding that participation in Walk and Roll to School Day keeps students revved up for the benefits of self-powered commuting. "Our participants can learn about safe transportation skills, reduce traffic congestion, and spend quality time together," Townsend told the city's press release.
Nationwide, this pedal-pushing trend is no new kid on the block with the National Center for Safe Routes to School coordinating these events since 1997 and crushing it with over 2,000 schools taking part across states and territories.
Last year's turnout broke records, and Philly's not one to hit the brakes on progress. Peter DeCarolis, coordinator of Safe Routes Philly, reflected on the momentum. "More Philadelphia schools are supporting active transportation programs to improve both traffic safety on their surrounding streets and to build excitement around attending school," he stated on the city's press release.
This year's Bike, Walk, & Roll to School Day saw support from multiple corners including the Meredith School Principal’s Office, Home and School Association, Nebinger School Principal’s Office, Parent Teacher Association, the Philadelphia Police Department, and the Queen Village Neighborhood Association. Also making a cameo are the city's freshly installed speed cushions, a big win for the Student Pedestrian Safety Bill and the Streets Department’s push to keep school zones chill.
And the city's not coasting yet. Following a shiny $25 million RAISE Grant, six North Philadelphia schools are set to shift into new slow zones, doing a victory lap over previous success stories like Cramp Elementary and Overbrook Educational Center. As for the Streets Department, they're tireless - with plans to cushion more neighborhoods and schools if City Council keeps the pump primed with funds.
