As the school year approaches, FABB wants to encourage parents and local bicyclists to start preparing now to support children riding their bikes to school. Encouraging students to use active transportation, such as biking, walking, or scootering, offers numerous benefits for children, families, and the community. Embracing this mode of transportation is a win-win for everyone.
Benefits of Active Transportation for Students
- Daily Exercise and Fresh Air: Students who walk or bike to school start their day with physical activity, promoting better health and fitness.
- Improved Concentration: Exercise helps burn off extra energy, leading to better focus and concentration in the classroom.
- Community Engagement: Active transportation encourages students to become familiar with their neighborhood, enhancing their sense of safety and community connection.
- Increased Independence and Confidence: Navigating their route to school fosters independence and builds self-confidence in students.
- Safer School Zones: Fewer cars dropping off students means reduced congestion and a safer environment around schools.
- Environmental Benefits: Walking or biking reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.
- Cost Savings: Walking is free, while driving incurs costs like gas and maintenance.
Parents, children, teachers, elected officials, and bicycling advocates all recognize the promise of healthier, happier students; quieter, cleaner, and safer streets; and more connected neighborhoods. Walk and bike to school events are about transforming community culture and creating an environment that welcomes every walker and bicyclist, young or old.
Fairfax County is blessed with a great Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. Some Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) have already implemented SRTS programs as part of their long-term efforts to promote safe walking and biking. Many have weekly or monthly walk/bike-to-school days. Joining these efforts can help transition to ongoing activities that encourage walking and biking to school all school year long. We encourage parents and local riders willing to volunteer to help with events to reach out to your local schools to discover how you can support SRTS!
Let’s support our children in making active transportation a part of their daily routine. Together, we can create a healthier, safer, and more connected community for everyone!
