Congratulations to all who helped to make Bike and Roll to School Day (BR2SD) a huge success. Whether you celebrated on May 7 or another day, your participation helped highlight the need for safe, active travel in every community.
Bike and Roll to School Day is important because it provides a chance for communities to take notice of the many challenges students face on the school commute. The event is also a reminder of the impactful work we can do collectively to mitigate those challenges. Most importantly, Bike and Roll to School Day offers an opportunity to celebrate the joy biking and rolling bring to students, neighborhoods, and schools. We are inspired by the many creative ways Michigan communities celebrate Bike and Roll to School Day — from remote drop-off spots to biking school buses and bike trains that turn the commute into a fun, social event. Our registration numbers indicate nearly 58,000 students participated in local registered events at 195 schools across the state. It’s also a favorite day for our staff, as we get to step out of the office, join the celebrations, and share our reflections with all of you after the event.
Colleen Synk, Senior Operations and Evaluation Coordinator
Islamic School of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids
The Islamic School of Grand Rapids, a school established just six years ago, celebrated a fantastic Bike and Roll to School Day this year, and by all accounts, they went all out! According to one student, biking to school has not always the norm, but this event gave them hope that it could be in the future.
It was incredible to see nearly every student arrive, if not on a bike, at least on two wheels, scooters, or rollerblades. The day was not just about the ride, though. Each classroom took the time to teach age-appropriate safety. Students learned the importance of wearing a helmet, and higher grade levels received more detailed information about proper hand signals, yielding to pedestrians, and selecting safe routes where they feel comfortable and safe to ride.
The learning did not stop there! Students put their skills to the test with a fun ride around the school grounds and practiced the ABC Quick Check to make sure their rides were safe and ready to roll.
It was a great way for the Islamic School of Grand Rapids to promote healthy habits, bike safety, and community spirit. This year’s Bike and Roll to School Day was a fantastic success!
Erin Paskus, Program Coordinator
Grayling Elementary, Grayling
Bike and Roll to School Day dawned bright and sunny as students and their families gathered at Michaelson Memorial Methodist Church in Grayling. Event organizers originally estimated about 15- 20 student participants, but were able to more than double participation by building off the momentum of their regular Walk, Bike, and Roll Days!
Grayling Elementary students received reflective tokens decorated with their Viking mascot, as well as safety instructions before heading off to the school, located about ½ mile away. Adult volunteers lead walking students on the sidewalk, while others guided cycling and scootering students on the shoulder of the street. A police escort ensured safety as students crossed busy neighborhood streets.
This event was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the local Safe Routes to School team, who have steadily built a walking, biking, and rolling culture at Grayling Elementary School!
Adam Jenks, Senior Contracts and Data Coordinator
Hillsdale Elementary, Farmington Hills
I was pleased to join Hillside Elementary School to celebrate Bike and Roll to School Day. It was a beautiful, sunny morning, made even better by the enthusiasm of the Hillside students and parents who participated.
As students took to their bikes, scooters, and skateboards—or simply walked to school—it was a remarkable demonstration of fun, safe, and active transportation. The students’ excitement was a reminder of how events like this can shine a light on meaningful opportunities for physical activity and community connection.
Hillsdale Elementary staff and administrators were incredibly welcoming and played a key role in making the event a success. Their smiles and encouragement helped set a positive tone for the day, and it was clear they were just as excited as the students. Their support for SRTS emphasizes the importance of creating safe, healthy, and active routes to school.
Max Fulkerson, SRTS Director
Bennett Woods Elementary, Okemos
Bennett Woods Elementary celebrates Bike and Roll to School Day on the Friday following the official Bike and Roll to School Day event. While it may downplay the everyday possibility of walking and rolling to school that a mid-week event conveys, holding the event on a Friday lends itself to a more relaxed, party-like atmosphere. The festive balloon arch helped in that respect, as did the larger number of parents, grandparents, and pre-school aged kids who participated with Bennett Woods students.
The Meridian Township Police and the school crossing guard helped with traffic control. Participants included a healthy mix of walkers, roller skaters, and others on bikes and scooters. The cooler temperature was offset by the sunshine and the kids’ enthusiasm. Everyone appeared to be in good spirits. At the school, riders and walkers converged with groups coming from other directions. The numbers were too large to count, but it seemed as though most of the school participated, indicating the event was a success by any measure.
If you are still interested in hosting a Bike and Roll to School Day event this month and need assistance with planning or have any questions, contact Erin Paskus. Our next event is Walk and Roll to School Day on October 8. Registration will open August 8. We hope you’ll help us make this event a success as well!