Lexington school celebrates National Walk, Bike to School Day with bike bus
A Lexington elementary school celebrated National Walk and Bike to School Day on Wednesday by forming what they called a “bike bus.”
Students and parents from Ashland Elementary School met at multiple locations in the neighborhood to walk, bike and roll to school.
School staff and Lexington police led the way, directing traffic to ensure safety. Several local leaders took part, too, including Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins, Mayor Linda Gorton and city council members.
The event was part of a national initiative to promote safe and community-driven transportation for students that doubles as an eco-friendly option for commuting to school.
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It created a lifetime memory full of a lot of joy,” parent coordinator Griffin VanMeter said in a news release. “The majority of us came to school together, and that’s so important when we’re building community.”
The group participating in the event is called a bike bus because they travel in a group, similar to children on a bus. There are more than 400 Bike Buses worldwide, and they actively transport more than 40,000 kids weekly, VanMeter said.
VanMeter hopes to help other schools start bike buses.
“We know that when kids are safe biking and walking to school, we will have made a tremendous city,” VanMeter said in the news release. “We’re excited that this will help our complete street goals and will turn children into civic advocates for public space.”
Councilwoman Hannah LeGris was among the participants, and she was the community spirit was palpable.
“We’re so grateful to our community organizers, bike advocates, public safety officers, parents, teachers, and especially our amazing students who really showed up and showed out,” LeGris said in a Facebook post.
