SR2S rocks in Ravenswood

The Safe Routes to School program in Ravenswood City School District (East Palo Alto and Menlo Park) has kept my colleagues and me fairly busy over the last couple of weeks, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Recently, we organized a pair of fun, community-building bike rides around town and a poster contest that made three particular students very happy.

On April 30 and May 29, SVBC partnered with the Ravenswood City School District, the City of East Palo Alto, and the East Palo Alto Police Department to host a set of Bike Safety Days where we taught safe bicycling skills, provided free helmets to youth participants, and rode bikes around town as a group. Both of these events allowed us to provide over 100 free helmets, and helped engage many youth and adults in fun three to five-mile bike rides through city streets and on the Bay Trail.

On May 9, three winners of the district-wide Safe Routes to School Poster Contest were recognized at the Ravenswood City School District Board of Directors meeting where they were presented with certificates and prizes. The grand prize winner struck gold, taking home a free bicycle, lock, and helmet, courtesy of SVBC and Mike's Bikes. The second and third place winners took away some cool hydration packs, generously provided by Camelbak.

The Safe Routes to School program in Ravenswood City School District is expected to continue through the 2013-2014 school year, and we expect to reach many more thousands of students, parents, and community members through in-class and outdoor instruction, walk and bike to school days, family bike rides, and other exciting encouragement events that promote safety and physical activity. We always need volunteers to boost our effectiveness. If you would like to get involved, please contact me at ernesto@bikesiliconvalley.org