Local Schools to Celebrate 'National Bike to School Day'

Editor's Note: The following was taken from a do.town press release.

Hundreds of students along with parents, teachers and community leaders from elementary and middle schools will be rolling and strolling to school in Richfield, Bloomington and Edina as part of National Bike (or Walk) to School Day on May 9, 2012.   

Events are organized by parents with support from school staff, Bloomington Public Health, the Statewide Health Improvement Program (SHIP) and do.town, an 18-month project that is working to improve the health of community members in Richfield, Bloomington and Edina by making changes that support healthy eating and active lifestyles. Walkers and bicyclists will receive “I Walked” or “I Biked” stickers upon arrival to school.

“Walking and bicycling to school is a great way for students and families to be physically active,” said Robyn Anderson, SHIP community liaison. “Last fall several schools throughout Bloomington, Edina and Richfield promoted International Walk/Bike to School day and this spring we hope to have even more participation.”

 To date, this year’s participating schools include:

• The , and the .
• Oak Grove Elementary, Poplar Bridge Elementary and Washburn Elementary in Bloomington.
• Concord Elementary, Cornelia Elementary, Countryside Elementary, Creek Valley Elementary, Highlands Elementary and South View Middle School in Edina.

Walk to School events work to for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion, concern for the environment and building connections between families, schools and the broader community.

There is still time for schools to sign up. Any school in Richfield, Bloomington, or Edina interested in promoting National Bike (or Walk) to school day is encouraged to contact, Anderson at the City of Bloomington Public Health, by calling 952-563-8917 or emailing roanderson@ci.bloomington.mn.us.

Another ongoing local initiative that promotes walking and biking to school is Fire Up Your Feet. Schools in Richfield, Bloomington and Edina can get involved and learn more at fireupyourfeet.org/.