Ideas to make walking and biking to school more fun

Published on September 04, 2024

Walking or biking to school offers students a chance to start the school day with fresh air and exercise, setting a positive tone for learning. However, ensuring these activities are both fun and safe is crucial to cementing walking or biking as healthy habits. To help, this article provides strategies that can make the journey to school more enjoyable while still prioritizing safety.

1. Start or join a walking school bus or bike train

One of the best and easiest ways to make walking and biking more fun is to create a walking school bus or bike train. A walking school bus or bike train follows the same route every time and picks up students from their homes or at designated stops at pre-arranged times. The group walks or bikes to school together with adult leaders. Routes may operate daily, weekly or monthly, although daily routes are preferred and have been shown to successfully address student absenteeism. Learn more about walking school buses and bike trains(PDF, 382KB). Menlo Park's Walk and Roll maps can help you plan your routes!

2. Incorporate games and challenges

Incorporating games into the walk or bike ride can make the journey more engaging and interesting. Games like “I Spy” or a scavenger hunt for local landmarks can keep kids entertained! A Menlo Park Safe Routes to School bingo card is available here(PDF, 597KB) and a neighborhood scavenger hunt card can be downloaded for free here. Regardless of the game or challenge, always be sure to remain aware of your surroundings and the path ahead!

3. Personalize your ride and kicks

Encouraging kids to personalize their bikes or walking gear can boost enthusiasm. Let them decorate their bikes with colorful streamers, handlebar bells, saddles, spoke beads and lights. For walkers, a fun backpack or light-up shoes can make the trip more exciting.

4. Put on an audiobook or music (at a low volume)

For older students, listening to audiobooks can help make the journey feel shorter by getting their mind off the walk. However, it’s important to stress the importance of safety – keep the volume low to ensure they will remain aware of their surroundings, and don’t use headphones. For younger kids, parents can set the tone with a fun walking song or chant that everyone can join in on, turning the walk into a lively parade!

5. Celebrate milestones

Set milestones or goals related to walking or biking to school and celebrate them. For example, after a month of consistent biking, reward your child with a new accessory for their bike or a small treat. This not only motivates kids to continue but also reinforces the positive habits they’re developing!

By incorporating social elements, games and personal touches, walking and biking to school can become the highlight of a child’s day. These strategies not only make the experience more enjoyable but also ensure that safety remains a top priority. With a little creativity, the daily commute can become a fun and safe adventure that kids look forward to each morning!