Latimer Walk/Bike to School Day Successful Team Effort

For the second year, Latimer Lane School celebrated National Walk to School Day and International Walk to School Month with a Walk/Bike to School Day celebration sponsored by the school’s Safe Routes to School Committee.  The October 2 event promoted physical activity, green living, and bike/pedestrian safety in a real-world setting.    It was carefully designed so that all students, even those unable to walk or bike to school from home, could experience walking and biking as viable transportation options with many benefits, not the least of which is having fun. 

 The fall 2013 event was Latimer’s most successful event to date.  Energized by glorious autumn skies, 263 students (62% of the student body) walked or biked to school.  In addition, teachers, staff, parents, and distinguished guests participated bringing the total number of walkers and bikers to over 325.  With only 10% of the students considered “walkers” by district guidelines, the 8-fold increase in the number of people on neighborhood streets walking or biking to school was a site to behold. 

Latimer Lane families were honored to be accompanied by State Representative John Hampton, First Selectman Mary Glassman, Deputy First Selectman Lisa Heavner, and Selectman and Latimer parent Shannon Knall on their walk to school.  Additionally, Board of Education Chair Lydia Tedone and Farmington Valley Health District Director Jennifer Kertanis walked with students.  Superintendent Matt Curtis, Assistant Superintendent Susan Homrok-Lemke and Business Manager Burke LaClair welcomed students and handed out Safe Routes to School prizes along with Debbie Thibodeau, chairperson, and other members of the Latimer Lane School’s Safe Routes to School Committee.  The Simsbury Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Squadron Line School’s new Safe Routes to School Committee also supported the event by providing bike chaperones Diana Moody and Kimberley Meyer.

 Latimer Lane Walk/Bike to School Day was a safe and successful event in part due to the assistance and support received by these and other community partners including the Simsbury Police Department, Simsbury Public Works, Simsbury Parks and Recreation, Simsbury Bike Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Simsbury Public Schools Central Office, and Connecticut Safe Routes to School.  Additionally, the following local businesses and organizations generously donated prizes for participants:

• The Bicycle Cellar (Simsbury)
• Ridgeline Bikes of Avon
• Bikers Edge (Avon)
• TCBY Avon Marketplace (Simsbury)
• Attilio’s Family Restaurant (Simsbury)
•  Simsbury Free Bike
• Farmington Valley Trails Council
• Farmington Valley Health District
•  Connecticut Safe Routes to School

The Latimer Lane Safe Routes to School Committee would like to thank all of our supporters and community partners, as well as the Latimer Lane community of families, teachers and staff.  Special thanks go out to all of our walk and bike chaperones, without whom this event would not be possible.  Together, amazing things happen.

• http://www.saferoutesinfo.org
• http://www.walkitbikeitct.org
• http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/