Students Ride Together for Bike to School Day

LANSING, Mich. - May 7, 2018 - PRLog -- More than 175 schools in Michigan will join students around the country in observing the 7^th Annual Bike to School Day (B2SD) on Wednesday, May 9. Thousands of Michigan students, along with their parents, teachers and community leaders, are expected to participate.

Wednesday's event is organized by the Michigan Fitness Foundation and the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, which works to create new, safe routes for children to travel to and from school, and promote health, wellness, and physical activity.

"Bike to School Day is unique opportunity for schools and communities to take time to promote active transportation as a way for students to get to school" said Director of Safe Routes to School Katie Alexander. "Each year these events have a positive and fun impact on the communities that host them."

Governor Snyder has officially recognized May 9 as Michigan's Bike to School Day this year, promoting the importance of physical activity.

As part of the Michigan Fitness Foundation, the Michigan SRTS team partners with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to work with schools, families and communities across the state to enhance active transportation through a variety of modes. "We are excited to partner with the Michigan Fitness Foundation to support Bike to School Day 2018," said MDOT Office of Economic Development Administrator Mike Kapp. "This event is a great opportunity to encourage healthy habits in children and promote the Safe Routes to School program".

MDOT's role is to administer the federally legislated SRTS program, which was established by Congress in 2005. The program evolved in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) of 2012, and continues under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015.

In addition to Bike to School, Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) implements other active living events such as All Children Exercise Simultaneously (ACES Day) in the spring, and Walk to School Day in the fall.

To learn how to hold a Bike to School Day event, learn more about the SRTS program, or register for an upcoming regional SRTS training, contact Katie Alexander, Safe Routes to School Director, visit http://www.saferoutesmichigan.org.