SANTA MONICA—The Family Bike Festival, which was held on Sunday, November 25, was a success. The city of Santa Monica’s Safe Routes to School Program, the McKinley Elementary School sustainability and beautification committee and Santa Monica Spoke hosted the event. Over 600 people of all ages attended the event according to a press release from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMSD).
The event included free bike safety skills, a giant inflatable slide, rock wall, cargo bike demos, face painting, games, raffles and sponsor booths, bike safety brochures, bike trail maps and the new Santa Monica Breeze Bike Share program. The Breeze Bike Share website contained detailed information on payment and usage plans and bike pick-up/drop-off locations. A police escorted 2.4 mile group bike ride through the surrounding neighborhoods of McKinley ended the day.
At the event, McKinley was awarded the city’s new “Bike It! Walk It! Bus It!” trophy for achieving a 77 percent participation rate for the month of October by Mayor Kevin McKeown, who made a special appearance. Councilmember Pam O’Connor attended the event as well. Most SMMSD schools participated in the annual program.
“Bike It! Walk It! day is an integral part of McKinley’s school community,” said Principal Susan Yakich of McKinley Elementary School. “It’s important to encourage healthy living and being fit. Bike It! Walk It! day is a good reminder to all of us to not only live a healthy life style, but also to work together as a community to preserve our earth and it’s natural resources.”
“Also, our student council green committee was instrumental in promoting this event and lead us to be a two-year champion for Bike It! Walk It! Participation,” said Principal Yakich. “Next year, we hope to have 85% of our students participate.”
