Wednesday, May 6 is National Bike to School Day! The City of Austin Safe Routes to School Program encourages all schools to celebrate, and for you to get out and active with your kids and community. Bike to School Day helps raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for bicycling and walking as well as the need for pedestrian safety, reduced traffic congestion and, of course, being environmentally-friendly.

You can check with you child’s school to see how they are participating. Some schools will even host special activities and giveaways. For some safety reminders before you ride to school, check out this Basic Bike Safety Tip Sheet.

Founded in 1991, the City of Austin’s Safe Routes to School Program educates students on pedestrian and bicycle safety and provides crossing guards at crucial intersections. Their goal is to empower the community by make walking and biking to school safe, convenient and fun for students and families. The City of Austin Public Works Department supports this effort by employing 230 crossing guards and crossing guard supervisors, stationed at 90 elementary schools in 7 school districts.

Have fun on your ride to school!