In years past, bicycling to school was a rite of passage -- many children learned the rules of the road that later would help them become better drivers by riding a bike to and from school. Today, some schools discourage or ban bicycling by students altogether. However, in other communities bicycling to school is wholeheartedly encouraged. To find out what can be done to create a bike-friendly environment, we spoke with several New Jersey communities with high percentages of children who bike to school.

 

Encouragement through Education and Promotion

Though some of the details may differ, one common element that emerges in all these communities is an active bicycle promotion and education component. Simply knowing how to ride a bike is not enough; these communities recognize that before students hop on a bicycle, they need to learn the road skills to ride safely.

 

At Seaview Elementary School in Linwood (Atlantic County), Principal Susan Speirs reports that class time is devoted to bicycle education each year. During school hours, a teacher runs the annual 4th Grade Bicycle Rodeo. During the rodeo, children receive detailed instruction on how to ride their bikes properly and then take a bicycle safety test.

Class time is also devoted to bicycle education in Medford Lakes (Burlington County) where pupils receive instruction as part of the school’s physical education program.

 

In Wharton (Morris County,) Superintendent Richard Bitondo encourages a bike-to-school environment through annual bike rodeos. The rodeos offer bicycle inspections and helmet giveaways to children without access to a proper bike helmet. A police-sponsored bike rodeo is also an important part of the bicycle program in Fair Haven (Monmouth County.) School staff make a point of regularly reminding children about bike safety during their lunch periods. In addition, Principal Jamie Turner and Nurse Barbara Grimmer of the Viola Sickles Elementary School point out that Fair Haven police hand out “tickets for good behavior.” Under this program, when an officer spots a child who is biking correctly, the rider is issued a prize.

 

Special Events Keep the Focus on Biking

While annual bike rodeos and in-school education programs are great for teaching kids about safety, other special events held throughout the year can help deliver the safe bicycling message. In Linwood, Principal Speirs said that students at Seaview Elementary celebrate Earth Day each year by walking or biking to school.