Schools

Bike to School Day Coming Wednesday

Falls Church students will take two wheels to school instead of four this week as part of a national initiative.

Thousands of kids across the country will ditch the bus and carpool in favor of their bikes Wednesday in the second annual National Bike to School Day.

Students from Haycock Elementary, Westgate Elementary, Luther Jackson Middle School and many other schools in the Falls Church area have signed up to participate.

The event is organized by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, which sponsors International Walk to School Day each October, and the League of American Bicyclists, which plans programming in May for Biking Month, including Bike to Work Day on May 18.

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In 2013, there are 1,337 events planned across the country. Virginia is again among the states with the most participation: More than 80 schools or groups across the state are planning organized bike rides. 

Wednesday’s weather is a little bit iffy — temperatures will climb to the upper 60s, but there’s a 40 percent chance of rain.

Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board chair Ilryong Moon and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair Sharon Bulova are joining forces to encourage county residents to participate in Bike to School Day. 

“As part of the campaign against childhood obesity, Bike to School Day is an easy, practical way to encourage our students to add physical activity to their day,” said Moon. “Biking or walking to school also lessens the amount of vehicular traffic around our schools, contributing to a smoother trip for everyone as well.” 

Adds Bulova, “National Bike to School Day is a fun and motivating way of encouraging both biking and exercise throughout the County. I encourage Fairfax County students to take advantage of this great opportunity to stay active and enjoy their ride to school.” Chairman Bulova’s advice to participants is “Strap on your helmets, stay safe, and have fun!”


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