Kieran's school has been participating in Walk/Bike to School for the past couple of years, but today was the first day we joined in, after much anticipation.
After learning how to ride a bike last spring, our second grader went through the summer refusing to get back on his bike. I think he had a crisis of confidence. However, when school started again, he got back on his bike specifically so he could participate in the "walking school bus" sponsored by his school.
Unfortunately, I had the wrong information--so when we showed up at the first appointed meeting place (Thinker Toys in Multnomah Village), we were the only ones there. After waiting 5 minutes, we set off by ourselves. My iPhone Mapquest was useless--it did not give us an alternate route to very busy Multnomah Boulevard, which is not only under construction but also not a very pedestrian- or bike-friendly route! Racing behind a 7-year-old on a bike (and worrying about the cars whizzing by) is not a very relaxing morning walk. Fortunately we caught up with the walking school bus group of kids and chaperones, as we were nearing the school. That's when I learned that we had shown up 10 minutes late!
Ah well--the most important thing is that Kieran had a blast, and I got in some good morning exercise (nearly 3 miles round trip). (Fortunately on the way back I walked with one of the other parents, who showed me the great back-roads route they take through Gabriel Park--much better!!) I have a feeling this will not be our last time participating and that Kieran's hooked. He was so proud of himself and commented that he was doing his bit to save the planet. Incidentally, he was the only kid on a bike (it's more complicated that way, because the bike has to be retrieved unless you bike home).
I'm glad he had this opportunity, and we need to find a way to do this more often. When I was in elementary school, I walked to school every day. In junior high school, I walked .6 mile to the bus stop or biked 1.6 mile to school. Our kids have never had that experience until now, because we live too far away from the school.
Green Works® naturally derived cleaning products and the Sierra Club have partnered to promote Walk to School. They are challenging communities to get moving...and every step kids and their parents take will count as Green Footprints for their school. The schools with the most Green Footprints can win a $5,000 Green Grant to use towards an eco-upgrade. Go to the Green Works Facebook page to sign up your school and learn more about the program.
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| Kieran getting ready to take off |
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| On busy Multnomah Blvd. |
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| At our destination--ready to go into school and proud of himself! |
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