Problem

Biking to school was once a normal and joyful part of childhood, but by the time my kids were old enough, I was shocked to see almost no participation. The school’s bike racks sat nearly empty, and parents didn’t see biking as a realistic or safe option for their kids.

At the time, there was:

• No formal encouragement for biking to school.

• Minimal safety infrastructure (crosswalks, sidewalks, etc.).

• Low awareness and confidence among parents and students.

I saw an opportunity to change the culture and make biking to school a visible, normal, and celebrated part of the community.

Solution

I launched Bike to School Day as a simple event, but over five years, I expanded it into a major community movement by:

Building Strong Partnerships – I worked with the local police, city council, Safe Routes to School Minnesota, school leadership, and teachers to gain support, spread awareness, and ensure safety.

Creating Fun Incentives – I offered ice cream rewards to kids who biked, turning participation into something kids were excited about.

Parent & Community Engagement – I made biking feel safe and achievable by providing parents with route recommendations and encouraging them to let their kids ride, and raised general awareness by getting articles written for the local newspaper.

Institutional Buy-In & Continuous Improvement – I met annually with the principal to discuss lessons learned and make the event better each year.

Advocating for Infrastructure Improvements – As participation grew, I used the momentum to push for long-term changes in the built environment, like better sidewalks and crosswalks.

Results

• 400+ kids now bike or walk to school for the event—a massive jump from just a handful at the start.

• Roughly 75% of enrolled students within biking distance participate.

• Sustained change beyond the event: 100+ kids now bike and walk to school most days.

• City-wide infrastructure improvements:

• A lighted crosswalk was installed in front of the school, making crossings safer.

• Sidewalk access expanded, giving kids safer, more direct routes from their homes.

• Cultural shift: Parents, teachers, and city leaders now recognize biking as a normal and viable way for kids to get to school—not just on event days, but throughout the year.

Takeaway

A simple event grew into a movement that transformed how an entire community views biking. By removing barriers, making it fun, and engaging key stakeholders, I turned an almost nonexistent biking culture into an annual event with 400+ riders, sustained daily participation, and lasting city infrastructure improvements.

What’s Next?

With a proven model in place, I’m now working to duplicate this success at other schools in the district—expanding the impact beyond a single school to create city-wide change.