A safe and active way to get to school

South Philly provided the backdrop as the city celebrated National Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day.

More than 200 students across 10 School District of Philadelphia schools took part in the 14th annual national movement, which promotes safe travels to school for children. City officials gathered at Vare-Washington Elementary School on 5th Street to spotlight the benefits of active transportation.

“We’re excited for our families to participate in Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day because it is more than just a transportation method to get to school,” said Alison Barnes, principal of Vare-Washington Elementary School. “Participating in Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day encourages physical activity, provides an opportunity to emphasize pedestrian and cyclist safety with our students and when our students and families actively travel together, it builds a wonderful sense of community all while promoting healthy habits.”

Officials representing the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems, Safe Routes Philly and Vision Zero Philadelphia joined the school district to celebrate the day.

Among those joining Vare-Washington this year in celebrating the event were George W. Nebinger School in Bella Vista, Southwark School and William M. Meredith School in Queen Village.

The event has grown exponentially in Philadelphia since it joined the national movement a few years ago.

“At one of our first Safe Routes Philly events in October 2022, we had two students bike with us to one school,” said Peter DeCarolis, Coordinator, Safe Routes Philly. “Now in May 2025, I’m proud to say we will have approximately 200 students at 10 schools participating in National Bike to School Day. By choosing active modes of transportation, we create school communities that are safer, cleaner and greener not only for students, but the entire neighborhood.”

According to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, one-time events like Bike & Roll to School Day can increase the number of students who utilize active travel to get to school even weeks after the day of the event.

“Events like National Bike to School Day truly connect many issues that communities care about, such as traffic safety, building a sense of community and promoting a greener and healthier lifestyle,” said Councilmember Mark Squilla. “I’m happy to join the students at Vare-Washington Elementary today as they experience the joys and benefits of developing healthier habits that can lead to academic success.”