Horace Mann Elementary kindergartner Brianna Swanson and first-grader Levi Chelette each took home a brand-new bike just in time for summer on Bike to School Day May 9.
The City of Springfield, in partnership with Springfield Public Schools, SafeKids Springfield and TrailSpring, partnered to encourage students to bike or walk to school on Bike to School Day. Those who walked or biked to school that day were entered into a prize drawing for the two bikes. Other giveaways included helmets, bike lights, reflectors and bells.
Community partners used the Bike to School Day designation to encourage children to become more active in their everyday lives. While all children were encouraged to participate, students from Springfield’s Horace Mann Elementary who biked or walked to school received giveaways and the chance to win one of two new bicycles, donated by TrailSpring. Springfield Greene-County Health Department staff were on site to educate families about the health benefits of walking or riding bikes to school.
SafeKids Springfield provided students with 30-plus bike helmets, reflectors and safety-related information.
The Bike to School Day event was held in conjunction with the opening of the new crosswalk at Broadway and Walnut Lawn, benefiting Horace Mann students. Public Works staff and “Mr. Walker” were on the route to encourage drivers in the area to slow down and yield to pedestrians. The Springfield Fire Department assisted bikers and walkers across the street during the event.
Other event partners include TrailSpring, which is on a mission to improve the physical health and activity level of people in the Springfield area by creating and maintaining a network of multi-use trails, which will also increase the economic vitality of the region.
The Health Department encourages all children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This helps prevent diseases such as cancer and obesity, improves thinking and concentration skills, provides energy and helps children feel happier.
