Walk+Bike+Roll Randolph

Walk+Bike+Roll Randolph (WBRR), the local group advocating for safe walking and bicycling, held a promotional and educational event in early February. During the weeks of February 5 – 16, students at Randolph Elementary and at the RU middle and high school were encouraged to walk (or bike), take the school bus or carpool with others to school. The goal was to raise awareness of how walking can be a fun, healthy alternative to being driven to school. “Many Randolph students live within walking distance of the schools. By walking instead of being driven to school, they can play a role in easing traffic congestion and also realize the benefits of regular physical activity,” said WBRR organizer Anne Kaplan.

The schools were provided with fact sheets about the benefits of walking and how to do so safely. WBRR offered an additional incentive of raffling gift cards to students who participated. Gift cards were generously donated by local businesses, including Village Pizza, Brainstorm Art Supply and the Gear House. Students also received free reflective items to put on clothing or backpacks to help enhance their visibility.

Although participation wasn’t as high as had been hoped for, a number of students tracked their trips and received prizes. The leftover prizes will be used at a planned Bike to School day this May, which will be the second year in a row for that event.

Some of the participating students shared their thoughts:

From Savior Bass:  “I get to carpool with my favorite teacher every morning.  She is the kindest, most wonderful person on the planet and it’s a great way to start my day.” 

From Nolan Whitney:  “I usually do all of those things- I walk, I bike, and I take the bus.  More people should have the opportunity to do it!” 

WBRR is excited about this year’s event and hopes to encourage more participation next year. To keep posted about all of the work in which WBRR is involved, please consider signing up for email updates and to support their work at www.walkbikerandolph.org.