Shared by IRPO–Western Carolina Kids Pumping Pedals

Nearly 70 schools in western North Carolina will participate in National Bike to School Day, a one-day event started more than 20 years ago to encourage more families to consider heading to school on foot or on a bike.

More than 2,000 events are scheduled nationwide, with more than 185 schools in North Carolina participating, setting a new record. While North Carolina is the ninth most populous state in the country, it ranks second in the number of registered Bike to School Day events.

Some of the schools participating in the greater Asheville area include:

• Mountain Community School, Hendersonville
• Francine Delaney New School, Asheville
• Roberson High School, Asheville
• Brush Creek Elementary, Marshall
• Pleasant Gardens Elementary, Marion
• Saluda Elementary, Saluda
• Spindale Elementary, Spindale
• Whitnel Elementary, Lenoir
• Haywood Christian Academy, Lake Junaluska
• Smoky Mountain High School, Sylva
The growing popularity of Bike to School Day in North Carolina is due in large part to Active Routes to School, a partnership project between the North Carolina Division of Public Health and N.C. Department of Transportation.

The events raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling, and emphasize the importance of physical activity among children. Bike to School Day also builds connections between communities, schools and families.

Ten regional coordinators are working to make it easier for elementary and middle school students around the state to safely bike and walk, both to and at school.
“Biking is a great way for young people to keep active and healthy,” said Mary Smith, Region 2 Active Routes to School Coordinator. “It also helps them to experience their local area, gain self-confidence and learn vital road safety skills.

“Teachers even report that those pupils who walk and bicycle to school are more attentive once they reach their desks.”

A full list of participating schools in North Carolina can be found here. For more information about Bike to School Day, visit the National Center for Safe Routes to School website.