LANSING, MI — Michigan students will join children from around the globe to celebrate the 14th Annual Bike and Roll to School Day (BR2SD) on Wednesday, May 6. Initiated by the Partnership for a Walkable America in 2012, BR2SD was born out of the success from Walk and Roll to School Day.

The event is being promoted by Michigan’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, which is overseen by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and managed by Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF). SRTS programs are designed to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children and their families to walk, roll and bike to school. Safe Routes to School programs assess and improve community assets that support students walking and bicycling to school, as well as barriers that may make it difficult or unsafe.

“Bike and Roll to School Day is a fun event and a great way to raise awareness for active transportation and pedestrian safety,” said MDOT Office of Economic Development Administrator Mike Kapp. “When students, families and neighbors share the commute, it highlights our commitment to creating safe, welcoming routes for all.”

All Michigan schools are invited to participate and host a BR2SD event that can be low-key or as grand as school organizers envision, which can be anything from inviting students to simply bike and roll to school to hosting a bike parade or a bike train.

“Bike and Roll to School Day is more than a one-day event, it’s a spark for a lifetime of healthy habits,” said MFF President and CEO Amy Ghannam. “When students and families choose active transportation, they integrate physical activity into their daily routine and arrive at school energized and ready to learn.”

The BR2SD event offers the opportunity for schools to emphasize the importance of active transportation and how it helps ease traffic jams, improve air quality, unite neighborhoods and contribute to students’ readiness to learn in school.

Last year, Michigan schools ranked third in the nation for BR2SD participation and there is still time for schools to register for this year’s event. Registered schools also receive planning assistance from SRTS program staff. To learn more and register for the event, visit saferoutesmichigan.org/bike-to-school-day.