RED BANK SEES BOOM IN KIDS BIKING TO SCHOOL

You have to get to school early to get a good spot at the expanded, yet still-crowded bike racks at Red Bank Middle School these days. (Photos by Brian Donohue. Click to enlarge.)

By BRIAN DONOHUE

When students returned to Red Bank Middle School this fall, the teachers and staff who work outside during morning arrival quickly noticed something new: more and more kids riding bicycles to school.

So many, in fact, that the school soon installed additional bike racks to store them all during the day.

On Monday morning last month, the bike-to-school boom was on full display, with dozens of kids arriving on mountain bikes, BMX bikes, beach cruisers and wheelie bikes despite the chilly 42 degree temperature. By the time the morning bell rang, even the additional new racks were packed.

“It’s cool again,” vice principal Michael Dougherty said of the trend.

It’s a trend fueled by several factors, including an award-winning effort by the district to encourage walking and biking, and a post pandemic sense that, as Dougherty mentioned, kids are finding it fun and cool to ride a bike again.

In September, both the Middle School and Red Bank Primary school received an award from EZ Ride, a non-profit agency that works to improve commutes and reduce congestion, for “outstanding work in promoting safe walking and biking for students.” The Borough of Red Bank also received the EZ Ride “Gold Award.”

The awards recognize the schools’ implementation of the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, a statewide initiative that promotes improved pedestrian and cyclist safety for schoolchildren.

“This Gold Award is a testament to our district’s core values,” said Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jared Rumage in a press release last month. “Safety is our first priority, and the Safe Routes to School program has been instrumental in ensuring our students’ journeys to and from school are secure. This initiative directly supports our commitment to daily learning, as a safe journey ensures students arrive ready to learn. “

SRTS activities in Red Bank and other communities ranged from safety presentations and community audits to bike skill classes, poster
contests, and walk/bike-to-school days, according to the district’s release.

Christina Vlahos, Vice Principal of Red Bank Primary School, described an annual Walk to School Day event at which staff forms a cheer line to greet all students who walk or bike to school.

“Even our school mascot, Stormy, joins the fun, handing out ‘I walked to school’ stickers that students proudly wear all day,” Vlahos said in the press release.

Of the increase at Red Bank Middle School, Dougherty said the success of the Safe Routes to School program is easy to spot.

“The enthusiasm our students have shown for biking has been incredible, and it’s so great to see them choosing an active way to get to school,” he said in the press release. ” We couldn’t be prouder of our students and the positive impact this program is having.”

An uptick in kids riding bikes to school would counter a national decades-long decline that has coincided with skyrocketing childhood obesity rates.

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, between 2014 and 2018, one million fewer kids ages 6 to 17 rode their bikes regularly.

According to Safe Routes, almost half of the students aged 5–14 regularly biked to school in 1969. By 2009, this figure had decreased to about 13%.

redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.