by Mike Knaak
editor@thenewsleader.com
Organizers of Sartell’s Bike-to-School Day celebration hope the event puts the community on a path to being a more bike-friendly community.
Bike-to-School Day is scheduled for 2:30-5 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, at Lion’s Park, 1030 First St. N.
Events at the park, that can be reached on the trail along Pinecone Road, include an obstacle course, helmet fittings and free food.
This is the first year for the event. Students at Pine Meadow Elementary School and Sartell Middle School are encouraged to ride their bicycles to school that day and then head to the park after school.
City Planner Nate Keller, one of the event organizers, said the idea resulted after the city applied to be named a bike-friendly community. The city received an honorable mention status and feedback from the American League of Bicylists.
“They gave us a report card of things to work on,” Keller said. “We’ve taken that feedback and this is one of the things we can work on before we apply again.”
If the city is granted bronze, silver, gold or platinum status, the designation opens up financial resources to fund bike projects, Keller said.
Revolution Cycle will be on hand to offer bike tune-ups and Metro Bus staff will demonstrate how to safely load a bike on the bus bike rack.
There will be a drawing to give away one girls’ bike and one boys’ bike.
In case of rain, the event will be canceled.
