On Wednesday, May 9th, kids from across the country will be giving up the carpool to school and grab their bikes instead.
It is National Bike to School Day and Angela berry, coordinator for Safe Routes Nebraska says this is a celebration for students and it builds on the popularity and success of International Walk to School Day in October.
"Bike to School Day seeks to raise awareness about the need for safe routes to bike and walk and emphasize the importance of such issues increasing physical activity among children, reducing traffic congestion and protecting the environment."
Barry says this is a good time to parents to review bicycle safety tips and review preferred routes to and from school.
"Bike wearing a helmet. Making sure they have the right equipment. Choose the safest route. Teach your children proper bicycle hand signals. Use common sense and avoid those strangers. Tell children not to speak to strangers and ride away if approached. These subtle steps will provide parents with peace of mind and children the confidence they need to be able to bike to school."
Barry adds it also gives kids a chance to have some fun on their way to school and to get in a bit of exercise too.
"Even just 10 to 15 minutes a day of physical activity, even low impact activity like bike riding can go a long way toward improving fitness and it is fun."
Communities across the country are encouraged to join together and bicycle to school on Wednesday.
(Courtesy of The Nebraska Radio Network. All Rights Reserved.)
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