Bike to School Day Wednesday

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille School District Safe Routes to School invites your family to join students nationwide on Wednesday, May 9, for Bike to School Day.

Safe Routes officials said the group’s top priority on Bike to School Day is safety and remind parents to select a safe/age appropriate route for themselves and their children. Each school has available an area map for those who may wish to park and ride a shorter distance, they said in a press release. In addition, there will be signs near the schools alerting drivers to be cautious of student bikers.

Parents should also keep in mind how long it takes for their children to travel, and what distance they are able to ride before departing for school on Bike to School Day. It’s important that students not be tardy or exhausted when they arrive at school and Safe Routes officials suggest a trial ride before Bike to School Day.

All riders are strongly encouraged to wear helmets and the Safe Routes to School program has some helmets available to those who still need one.

As a safety measure, Safe Routes officials remind bicycle riders to travel single-file on the right-hand edge of the roadway with the flow of traffic. In addition, it’s important to display brightly colored clothing and/or a bike flag.

As another safety tip, Safe Routes officials note that bicycle riders will be easier seen by drivers if you travel in a larger group, so meet up with other families to make it a group event.

Each school celebrates a little differently depending upon its location relative to ease of biking to school, Safe Routes officials said in the press release and encouraged parents to check in with their individual schools to see how they’ll be celebrating biking to school this year.

As a final safety tip, they remind bicycle riders to strap on their helmets, obey the rules of the road, respect motorists and pedestrians, ride smart, stay alert, and have fun.