from BikeMilton.org
MassDOT and the Safe Routes To School program are promoting ‘Walk/Wheel On Wednesdays,” or “WOW.” The program is designed to promote good health by encouraging parents and students to regularly walk or bike to school. A secondary benefit of the program is to reduce the traffic jams caused when hundreds of parents drive their children to and from school.
Here in Milton, the Glover, Tucker, Cunningham and Collicot schools have active Safe Routes to Schools programs. Safe Routes includes curriculum that teaches 2nd and 4th grade students how to safely walk and bike to school, and it also involves parents to organize walking and biking groups. The Town is working to bring the program to the Pierce middle school soon. Participation in the Safe Routes program can qualify the Town for transportation improvement funds, which could be used to upgrade crosswalks and sidewalks.
Expect to see state and school officials on hand to promote the program Wednesday morning at the Glover elementary school.
MassDOT is also working to promote bicycle transportation for adults commuting to work. In the city, bicycling is not only cheaper than driving, but it is often faster than dealing with traffic and parking. The state agency is partnering with MassBike, a local cycling advocacy organization, to promote safety and safe bike routes to work. Bay State Bike Week, May 14-20, will culminate with a series of bike commuter events on Bike To Work Day, May 20. The nearest one to Milton begins near Ashmont Station in Dorchester, and will have a police escort to downtown Boston. Commuter cyclists will be treated to a free breakfast, music and entertainment. In related news, the City of Boston will launch its HubWay bicycle sharing program this summer, making point-to-point cycling in Boston more convenient.
For more information about the Safe Routes to Schools program, contact your school PTO or visit the MassDOT Walk or Bike To School event website.
For more information about commuting into Boston by bicycle, visit the Boston Bike Fridays and MassBike websites.
Links:
http://commute.com/walk_to_school_events/new
http://www.bikefridays.org/
http://www.massbike.org/
http://www.cityofboston.gov/news/Default.aspx?id=5075