Walking/Biking School Bus volunteers honored

Sunday, January 15, 2023 11:29 am

Upper Explorerland's Northeast Iowa Safe Routes to School Program recently held an appreciation breakfast for the Decorah Walking and Biking School Bus volunteers and partners.

In December, Upper Explorerland’s Northeast Iowa Safe Routes to School Program held an appreciation breakfast for the Decorah Walking and Biking School Bus volunteers and partners.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is an international movement to encourage active school travel and safe community routes.

The Northeast Iowa SRTS program coordinates Walking and Biking School Buses, teaches bike safety and collaborates on programs that encourage active transportation and active living in the area. SRTS efforts are possible thanks to amazing volunteers and community partners who share their time and talents.

“I am proud to be a Safe Routes supporter. I have seen first-hand the impact that the Walking School Bus program has had on my son the past three years. He is excited to walk to school every day, to feel connected to our community as he experiences it on foot, and to build confidence in his ability to navigate the one mile walk through town. The skills he is learning in this program make him a safer pedestrian at all times, and he has now begun walking to school on his own. This would not be possible without his participation in this program, and I wish every child had the privilege to participate in such a fun, constructive program.” ~ Walking School Bus Parent

“As a Walking School Bus volunteer for the past five years, I appreciate and firmly support the Safe Routes message of active school travel and safe neighborhood routes. I am an advocate of physical activity for our children to encourage and preserve healthy lifestyles. I have witnessed the development of listening skills, teamwork, empathy, and flexibility as children engage in relationships created through neighborhood networking and educational programs. Learning these life skills at a young age enable our children to become tomorrow’s effective leaders.” ~ Walking School Bus Volunteer

To sign your child up for any of the Walking or Biking School Bus routes, express interest in starting a new route location, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, contact SRTS Coordinator April Bril at abril@uerpc.org