Earth Day, April 22 is Bike & Roll to School Day in BVSD

On Wednesday, April 22, Boulder Valley School District students, families, and staff celebrated Bike and Roll to School Day, an annual spring tradition that encourages active transportation, builds community, and highlights the importance of sustainable choices. This year’s event carries added significance, as it lands on Earth Day, highlighting the connection between how we travel and the health of our planet.

Across the district, 24 BVSD schools participated in this celebration, with students biking, walking, and rolling together to start their day in a positive and energizing way. Bike and Roll to School Day is more than just a fun event, it’s part of a broader effort to promote safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly transportation options. By choosing to bike or walk, students reduce traffic congestion around schools, improve air quality, and build lifelong habits that support both personal and environmental health.

Check out photos from today's celebrations

Schools throughout BVSD are marking the day with unique activities that bring their communities together while emphasizing safety and education. Highlights included:

• At Crest View Elementary, students and families joined City of Boulder officials to celebrate the grand opening of the new underpass at 19th Street. This important infrastructure improvement enhances safety and connectivity for students traveling to school and represents a meaningful investment in safer routes for the community.
   
• Centennial Middle School kicked off the morning with a “school street” block party, creating a festive and traffic-free space as they arrive. Additionally, students participated in P.E. lessons focused on e-bike safety, including guidance from Boulder Police Officer Mitch on how to distinguish between safe, legal e-bikes and illegal “e-motos”. 
   
• At Manhattan Middle School, students had the opportunity to engage directly with city engineers, providing input on the design of a new Safe Routes to School infrastructure project planned for Manhattan Drive this fall. This hands-on involvement empowers students to shape the future of their own neighborhoods while learning about civic engagement and urban planning.

Bike to School Day is a powerful reminder that small choices, like how we get to school, can have a big impact. Whether it’s reducing emissions, building safer streets, or simply enjoying time outdoors with friends, this day celebrates the many benefits of active transportation.

Learn more about BVSD's Safe Routes to School program