National Bike & Roll to School Day is Wednesday, May 8

As part of Safe Kids Week, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, students and staff at Nieman Elementary School and several community partners will celebrate National Bike & Roll to School Day on Wednesday, May 8.

The event begins at 7:30 a.m. with students, families and staff riding to Nieman Elementary in Shawnee, Kan.

Participants will learn bike safety tips, receive healthy food samples, visit the Shawnee Fire Department truck and visit Gus the K9 dog!

"Active trips to school enable children to incorporate the regular physical activity they need each day while also forming healthy habits that can last a lifetime," said Jill Raiford, JCDHE health educator. "It's so inspiring to see how Bike & Roll to School Day events can encourage lasting change. And we're so happy to be part of that effort - and the fun, too!"

The event is the result of a partnership between JCDHE, City of Shawnee Police Department, City of Shawnee Fire Department, City of Shawnee Park and Recreation, Nieman Elementary School, Johnson County Sheriff's Office, Kansas Highway Patrol and Safe Kids Johnson County.

National Bike & Roll to School Day raises awareness of the need to create safer routes to school, builds a sense of community and school spirit, inspires families try something new and encourages those who already practice this healthy habit.