Events

The Safe Routes to School Program hosts or promotes various encouragement events throughout the year. These fun events are meant to encourage biking and walking to school, along with providing resources and recognizing those that make getting to school easier.

May: Bike Month

May is designated as National Bike Month. National Bike Month is a chance to demonstrate the benefits of biking to everyday destinations, as well as encourage more people to try it. Ways to celebrate include National Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. Additionally, the Safe Routes to School Program is collaborating with California Highway Patrol Redwood City and the Menlo Park Police Department to host a Bike Rodeo on Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Flood Park. Sign up to register for a timeslot! Bring your bike and helmet.

Bike to Wherever Days is May 15, 2025 – May 17, 2025. Pre-pandemic, Bike to Work Day was a one-day celebration to encourage people to bike their commute. Now, Bike to Wherever Days is a multi-day celebration to bike to all your daily destinations – school, work, recreation, and more! The City of Menlo Park will be hosting energizer stations at the Menlo Park Caltrain Station, San Mateo Drive Bike Bridge, Ringwood Avenue Bike Bridge, and Willow Place Bike Bridge. Take the pledge to ride your bike in May, stop by an energizer station, and receive a special Bike to Wherever Days tote!

October: International Walk to School Day

As part of return to school in fall, International Walk to School Day is a great way to promote biking and walking to school. This typically occurs in early October, but may vary depending on individual planning efforts at each school.

November: Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

This day celebrates Ruby Bridges' contribution to the Civil Rights movement, with her courage to walk to school to integrate New Orleans schools in 1960. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is celebrated on November 14, or the following Wednesday should it fall on a weekend. Students are encouraged to walk or roll to school.

March: Crossing Guard Appreciation Week

Crossing guards are the unsung heroes that make sure students get to school safely, especially if they walk and bike. Crossing Guard Appreciation Week typically occurs in March, the San Mateo County Office of Education organizes efforts to ensure crossing guards are recognized for their contributions to the community.