05-03 - Bartlesville Public Schools

Bike to School Day May 8Special to The BruinRemember the thrill of riding a bike for the first time? There’s a feeling of joy and independence– a sense of adventure – that doesn’t fade. Students of Washington County and across the country willbe participating in Bike to School Day on May 8, 2013. Bike to School Day is part of the celebration ofNational Bike Month. Almost 1,000 schools in 49 states and the District of Columbia registered events forthe inaugural Bike to School Day in 2012. This number hopes to be exceeded this year. To find out who’sparticipating in the community, visit www.walkbiketoschool.org/go/whos-biking/2013. Bike to SchoolDay builds on the popularity and success of International Walk to School Day which is celebrated everyOctober.Parents and neighbors can join in and Bike to Work providing a chance to get the physical activity thateveryone needs. Replacing car trips to school with biking can reduce congestion and air-polluting emissions.Passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles and SUVs together account for 62 percent of transportation-relatedgreenhouse gas emissions. Air quality is measurably better at schools located in neighborhoods withintegrated street and sidewalk networks, and these schools have more students arriving by bicycle and onfoot.In 1969, 89 percent of students in grades K through 8 who lived within one mile of school usuallywalked or bicycled to school. In 2009, only 35 percent of students in grades K through 8 who lived withinone milk of school usually walked or bicycled to school even once a week. This is an opportunity lost.Walking or bicycling to school gives children time for physical activity and a sense of responsibility andindependence; it also creates an opportunity to be outdoors and provides time to connect with parents,friends and neighbors.Two schools in the Bartlesville Public School District have signed on to participate. They are WilsonElementary and Central Middle School. Wilson participated last year and Central will participate for thefirst time this year. Central students will have the opportunity of congregating at 1 of 5 different sites –Oak Park, Kane, Jane Phillips, Bartlesville High School or Wayside to make their way to Central. Adultswill travel using a bike train concept. All participants are encouraged to wear a helmet.Check out the above website to sign up to participate or just participate individually. Most schoolshave a designated bike racks to park the bikes. Students should be encouraged to bring a bike lock to securethe bike.Encourage friends and family members to participate in Bike to School Day, Wednesday, May 8, 2013. Parentsare encouraged to ride a bike to work along with their child(ren). Remember safety first – wear a helmet andenjoy the outdoors.Check out BPSD on facebook andtwitterKeep up to date with thelatest happenings around theBartlesville Public School Districtby visiting the BPSD facebookpage and twitter page.To visit the BPSD facebookpage, search BartlesvillePublic Schools on Facebook oruse the link http://www.facebook.com/#!/BartlesvillePublicSchools.When you visit the site, make sureto like the page. Currently,the BPSD has over 3,000likes.The BPSD twitter handleis @BPSDBruins. Become afollower and get district updatesand announcements.Social media is a greatcommunication platform and you are encouraged tovisit the BPSD facebook page and twitter page.