Newsroom
05.06.20
“Bike to School Day” Becomes “Bike to Anywhere Day”
Distance Learning Causes Annual Tradition to Adapt
COVID-19 has impacted many rites of spring: everything from Major League Baseball’s season opener to high school graduations. In a typical year, students are encouraged to pedal to class on Bike to School Day. Since the governor announced that students will not be returning to school this academic year, Minnesota Safe Routes to School transformed the May 6th event to Bike to Anywhere Day!
“Biking is one activity that we’re encouraged to enjoy during this time of social distancing,” said Jill Chamberlain, senior program manager of community health and health equity at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota’s Center for Prevention. “Physical activity is good for your mental health, and it’s a positive way for all of us to deal with the stress we’re feeling related to COVID-19.”
Photo caption: Amy Bloomquist, Blue Cross Health Improvement team, and her daughter are biking near the pond in their neighborhood.
Staying Safe While on Two Wheels
For Bike to Anywhere Day, students were encouraged to choose a destination and bike there solo or with members of their household. “Right now, there may be fewer cars on the road, so it could be a great time for students to find a route to a destination they visit frequently and practice riding there,” said Chamberlain. “Sometimes students have to try different routes to find the most comfortable and safe ride, so if they pick a new destination each week, when those businesses or places open up, they will know exactly how to bike there.”
Everyone who bikes is encouraged to maintain six feet of distance from people who are outside their household and practice other basic safety precautions like stopping at stop signs, signaling turns and wearing a helmet.