Students of Bayard Rustin Elementary School in Rockville and Montgomery County Officials Take Part in ‘Bike and Roll to School Day’

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 8, 2024

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) today joined students and faculty at Bayard Rustin Elementary School to host a celebratory event in honor of National Bike and Roll to School Day. The event was one of many across the nation to promote biking and walking to schools as a healthier, greener travel alternative.

Bike and Roll to School Day is a national event that encourages students to walk, bike or scooter to school. The initiative focuses on active lifestyles and the benefits of walkable communities.

The event was organized by MCDOT's Safe Routes to School program as part of the County's Vision Zero efforts. MCDOT and Vision Zero staff were on site with MCDOT Director Chris Conkin distributing safety materials and giveaways. Students also met Zeal, the Traffic Safety Zebra, and Sparky, the Fire and Rescue Dog.

"Bike and Roll to School Day serves as a wonderful opportunity to encourage our youth to foster healthy habits and to bike and walk to school," said County Executive Marc Elrich. "Ensuring a safe environment for students to bike and walk to school not only encourages physical activity but also contributes to the flourishing of vibrant communities. The County continues to invest in sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks and trails to enhance cyclist and pedestrian safety."

By incorporating exercise into their daily routine, students can create habits that promote a lifetime of healthier living. Regular physical activity not only reduces childhood obesity, but also improves concentration and memory, strengthens the immune system, improves sleep and reduces stress.

"We have been working to make our school walksheds safer by conducting walk safety audits of our public schools for pedestrian safety improvements," said MCDOT Director Conklin. "These studies evaluate walkability within a one-mile radius of elementary schools, 1.5 miles of middle schools and a two-mile radius of high schools. We have completed over 50 since 2018. Additionally, we continue to build out safe infrastructure. We added about seven miles of sidewalks in 2023 and now have more than eight miles of protected bike lanes in the County."

Partners in Bike and Roll to School Day include Montgomery County Police, the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service and Montgomery County Public Schools.

To learn more about National Bike and Roll to School Day, visit walkbiketoschool.org. Visitors will find ideas and best practices from the National Center for Safe Routes to School.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on X, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT's "Go Montgomery!" newsletter.

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Release ID: 24-221
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-372-2282
Categories: Transportation

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