Congratulations to all who helped to make Bike and Roll to School Day (BR2SD) a huge success. Whether you celebrated on May 6 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 as of this posting indicate over 37,980 students participated in local registered events at 144 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.
Haigh Elementary, Dearborn
Erin Quinlan-Paskus and Colleen Synk were excited to join Haigh Elementary’s first BR2SD. They weren’t the only ones; the first students to roll up at school began circling the main entrance on their scooters, so full of anticipation for other friends to join them that they couldn’t stay still.
The Haigh Elementary principal and gym teacher 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. Students had their pictures taken in groups and were given certificates and a bag of bike safety items, such as a bike light, a light-up slap bracelet, and a reflective bag tag for backpacks, as they arrived. One parent shared, “we bike to school every day, but it’s nice that today gets to celebrate that.”
Borland Elementary, Imlay City
Borland Elementary hosted a Bike and Roll to School Day that will be a core memory for many of the 400 students who participated. By rerouting buses, adjusting student drop-off locations, and closing several travel routes, the school ensured that every student had the opportunity to participate in this exciting event. Students walked, biked, rolled, and even danced their way to school, creating a joyful start to the day.
The time and dedication Borland Elementary staff invested in Bike and Roll to School Day is remarkable. Student safety and ability were carefully considered throughout the planning process. Encouraged by the positive response and evident benefits, staff members are looking forward to finding new ways to increase the number of students who walk and bike to school.
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 7. We hope you’ll help us make this event a success as well!