Students and families across Douglas County are encouraged to strap on helmets and ride their bicycles to school together Wednesday, May 5, on National Bike to School Day.
Elementary schools in the Lawrence school district have various activities scheduled to promote participation, according to a news release from Julie Boyle, executive director of communications for Lawrence Public Schools.
The National Weather Service in Topeka forecasts a cloudy but dry day for Lawrence Wednesday, with a high near 64 degrees.
A flyer for the event advises, “Helmets should be worn at all times when riding a bike. Bicyclists should ride safely by following the rules of the road and obeying traffic laws. Young children should be accompanied by an adult.”
This year, Baldwin Junior High and Baldwin Intermediate Schools will be participating in the event for the first time, according to a news release from Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health.
“The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that school-aged children get at least one hour of moderate to intense physical activity each day, which includes aerobic activities such as walking, biking, or wheeling,” according to the health department. “Regular physical activity helps children build strong bones, muscles, and joints; reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression; strengthens the heart and lungs, and decreases the risk of obesity. Plus, it’s fun!”
Need a helmet? Kids 13 and under can visit a Lawrence Douglas County Fire-Medical station for a free helmet, compliments of donations and community partnerships with the city’s Wheeled Safety Program. During the pandemic most fittings have taken place outdoors. It helps to call ahead to ensure the station has adequate stock and sizes. Click here for a list of locations.
Bike-to-School-Day-PosterNational Bike to School Day first took place in 2012, according to its website. The event builds off the popularity of Walk to School Day, which is observed each October.
