SR2S Boletín Otoño de 2023

Anímese a Caminar y Rodar en el Otoño

Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas tiene varias actividades divertidas planificadas durante todo el año escolar. Considere la posibilidad de hacer amigos y venga a una mesa de bienvenida para obtener un premio cuando los miércoles de caminar y rodar se celebren una vez al mes. El primer Miércoles de Caminar y Rodar será el 13 de septiembre. Se entregarán lápices que cambian de color para agradecer a los caminantes y patinadores que hacen su parte para crear calles más seguras y un planeta más saludable. Cada paso que da ayuda a reducir el tráfico y fortalece a su estudiante para un día de aprendizaje, incluso si es solo una vez por semana o solo unas pocas cuadras. Aquí hay una manera simple en que todos pueden ser parte de la solución, incluso para aquellos que viven lejos:

Estacione y camine una cuadra para su grado (se anima a los usuarios de vehículos compartidos a hacerlo también)

Estudiantes de K-1° grado: estacione y camine 1 cuadra
Estudiantes de 2º grado – Park and Walk 2 cuadras
Estudiantes de 3° grado – Estacione y camine 3 cuadras
Estudiantes de 4° y 5° grado – Estacione y camine 4 o más cuadras

Empiece poco a poco para formar hábitos: Levántese y salga a caminar y rodar al menos un día a la semana para formar una rutina constante con su hijo. Trate de caminar y rodar TODOS los miércoles para comenzar. En poco tiempo, su estudiante esperará caminar de la mano con usted, explorar y formar recuerdos juntos.

¡Encuentre un Compañero! El concurso vuelve en el Otoño

Buddies-from-Bacich-Elementary-winners-(2nd-article)

El concurso BUDDY UP! (Encuentre un Compañero) fue un gran éxito el Otoño pasado y regresará nuevamente este año.

Si sus estudiantes tienen un “compañero” de viaje, es más probable que quieran levantarse un poco más temprano para caminar, andar en bicicleta, tomar el autobús o compartir el automóvil a la escuela juntos. Además, hay seguridad en los números y los conductores ven más fácilmente a los grupos. Lo mejor de todo es que las amistades y los recuerdos se forman al caminar y rodar con los demás.

La participación es fácil. A partir de ahora, los padres pueden inscribir a su grupo de dos o más estudiantes de familias vecinas para viajar hacia o desde la escuela. O regístrese usando este formulario de inscripción de Buddy Up y no se olvide de decirnos cómo se conocieron los estudiantes, qué les gusta de viajar juntos y cualquier historia interesante y divertida que podamos compartir.

El concurso se extenderá hasta el 31 de octubre. Al final del concurso, Safe Routes to Schools seleccionará cinco BUDDY UP! grupos para recibir tarjetas de regalo de $50.

Las Escuelas de Marín Celebrarán el Día de Ruby Bridges en Noviembre

Por primera vez, Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas está implementando el Día de Caminar y Rodar a la Escuela de Ruby Bridges en todo el condado el 15 de noviembre. Se anima a las 42 escuelas primarias suscritas a participar en el evento. Las escuelas pueden incluír no solo a los que caminan, sino también a aquellos estudiantes que prefieren rodar, tomar el autobús, estacionarse y caminar o compartir el automóvil. En la década de 1950, Ruby Bridges era una niña afroamericana de seis años de Luisiana a la que se le asignó asistir a una institución educativa para blancos. Soportó el abuso verbal de los transeúntes durante su caminata diaria a clase y la mayoría de sus compañeros de clase blancos se fueron de la escuela después de que ella comenzó a asistir. Ruby y sus padres perseveraron y, con el tiempo, la escuela logró eliminar la segregación. Ahora Ruby es una maestra dedicada a inspirar a otros. El año pasado, la Academia Bayside Martin Luther King, Jr. en Sausalito celebró los logros de Ruby Bridges caminando al campus. “Ocho estudiantes de nuestra escuela secundaria fueron a nuestra escuela primaria para organizar el evento. Ese día llovió intensamente, por lo que no pudimos realizar la sesión al aire libre, pero los estudiantes fueron a los salones promoviendo la historia de Ruby y la misión de Rutas Seguras”, dijo Phillip Logan, Director de la Escuela Comunitaria del Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de Sausalito-Marín. Según la AAA, el año pasado 343.000 estudiantes de 1.400 escuelas de los Estados Unidos participaron en el Día de Caminar a la Escuela de Ruby Bridges.

Presentamos a Mira Schwirtz, nuestra nueva coordinadora de voluntarios

Como nueva Coordinadora de Voluntarios de Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas, Mira está emocionada de unir fuerzas con padres voluntarios dedicados en las escuelas primarias de todo Marín para hacer que caminar y andar en bicicleta a la escuela sea un hábito saludable.

Mira aporta experiencia en mercadeo y gestión de proyectos a Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas. Ha trabajado en comunicaciones y divulgación con varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro, incluída la Universidad de San Francisco y la YMCA del East Bay. Ella está especialmente agradecida por la oportunidad que le brinda Rutas Seguras para construir comunidades escolares más fuertes.

Nativa de Marín y residente de Novato, a Mira le encanta andar en bicicleta y caminar por su comunidad, a menudo en compañía de Russ, su pastor australiano. Tiene dos hijos que asisten a las escuelas de Novato, donde también trabaja como voluntaria. Su aventura ciclista más memorable fue pasar dos meses recorriendo Sudáfrica con su esposo.

Envíe un correo electrónico a Mira y preséntese o hágale saber si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud: [email protected].

Veinte Millones de Dólares para Infraestructura Incluye Mejoras en el Canal

Funding-for-infrastructure-(6th-article)

Recientemente 11 proyectos en todo el condado de Marín recibieron casi $20 millones en subvenciones del Programa de Transporte Activo altamente competitivo de la Comisión de Transporte Metropolitano y del programa One Bay Area Grant. Varios de estos proyectos beneficiarán a los estudiantes que caminan y ruedan a la escuela. Cinco proyectos en San Rafael recibieron financiamiento a través de los programas de subvenciones. Se dedicarán más de ocho millones de dólares dos proyectos en el vecindario del Canal. Está incluido el estudio del puente peatonal sobre San Rafael Creek y la financiación de mejoras para caminar y rodar en todo el vecindario, como arreglar las aceras, mejorar la iluminación y calmar el tráfico. Otros proyectos estudiarán mejoras de transporte activas en el norte y el sureste de San Rafael y realizarán cambios en la intersección de Second Street y Fourth Street. Con todas estas victorias recientes, es evidente que el condado de Marin está avanzando a pasos agigantados para mejorar el andar y rodar de sus estudiantes. .

Cambio Importante en el Comité de Infraestructura de Rutas Seguras

El Comité de Infraestructura de Rutas Seguras adoptará una nueva metodología, que involucra a toda la comunidad, con el ánimo de aumentar los viajes activos a y desde la escuela. Se espera que esto disminuya la congestión del tráfico en la comunidad. En cada reunión se utilizarán nuevas herramientas basadas en datos para determinar el potencial de cada escuela para aumentar los viajes a pie y en bicicleta. Estas herramientas incluyen mapas de puntos, que muestran donde viven los estudiantes, para mostrar cuántos de ellos viven a una distancia en la cual pueden ir a pie o en bicicleta a la escuela. También consideraremos los resultados de la encuesta que muestran los diferentes modos de transporte usado por los estudiantes para ir y venir de la escuela. Estas herramientas permitirán que los grupos de trabajo centren su atención en las mejores estrategias para aumentar los viajes activos. Rutas Seguras también organizará reuniones por separado con los directores de las escuelas para ver cómo se pueden aumentar los viajes activos de sus estudiantes. Las escuelas en comunidades de bajos recursos podrán tener reuniones separadas si los padres no pueden asistir a las reuniones del comité de infraestructura. Nuestro nuevos socio, Strategic Energy Innovations, desarrollará programas de liderazgo en esas escuelas para involucrar a los estudiantes.

SR2S Newsletter Fall 2023

Newsletter

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Join thousands of students who walk, bike, scooter, ride the bus, and carpool to school.

Traffic reduction is key to calmer, safer streets. This encourages more families to walk and bike to schools, further reducing traffic. You can help!

Safe Routes to Schools has several fun activities planned throughout the school year to keep momentum going. Consider Buddying Up with friends and come to a welcome table to get a prize when Walk and Roll Wednesdays are celebrated once per month. The first Walk and Roll Wednesday welcome table is September 13. Mood changing pencils will be handed out to thank the walkers and rollers for doing their part to create safer streets and a healthier planet.

EVERY STEP YOU TAKE helps reduce traffic and invigorates your student for a day of learning, even if it’s only once per week or only a few blocks. Here is a simple way everyone can be part of the solution, even for those who live far away:

Park and Walk a Block for Your Grade (carpoolers encouraged to do so too)
• K-1st graders – Park and Walk 1 block
• 2nd graders – Park and Walk 2 blocks
• 3rd graders – Park and Walk 3 blocks
• 4th and 5th graders – Park and Walk 4 or more blocks

Start small to form habits: Get up and get out to walk and roll at least one day per week to form a consistent routine with your child. Try to Walk and Roll EVERY Wednesday to start. Before long, your student will look forward to walking hand in hand with you, exploring, and forming memories together.

BUDDY UP!
Contest is Back in Fall

The Safe Routes to Schools BUDDY UP! contest was a great hit last fall and will return again this year. Buddy Up! is a great way to start the year with friendship and fun on the way to school, and kids can also win valuable rewards by participating. If your students have a travel “buddy”, they are more likely to want to get up a little earlier to walk, bike, take the bus, or carpool to school together. Additionally, there is safety in numbers and groups are more easily seen by drivers. Best of all, friendships and memories are formed by walking and rolling with others.

Participation is easy. Starting now, parents can sign up their group of two or more students from neighboring families to travel to or from school. O Sign up using this Buddy Up Entry Form, and don’t forget to tell us how the students met, what they like about traveling together, and any compelling fun story we can share.

The contest runs until October 31. At the end of the contest Safe Routes to Schools will select five winning BUDDY UP! groups to receive $50 gift cards.

Here is one heartwarming quote from Michelle Wilcox, the mother of one of the Bacich students who won last year:

“This group of third graders has been riding to and from school and affectionately been nicknamed “The Peloton” by neighbors who witness their numbers swell as they pick up more and more friends along the way to Bacich. They’re always looking out for each other, on the road and at school. They love being in a large group because it makes it easy to maintain the habit of riding every day, even when one or two people can’t make it. There’s always someone (and more often lots of people) to ride with!”

Marin Schools to Celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk and Roll Day in November

For the first time, Safe Routes to Schools is rolling out Ruby Bridges Walk and Roll to School Day countywide on November 15. All 42 subscribing elementary schools are encouraged to participate in the event.

Safe Routes will provide its volunteers and school administrators with all publicity and supplies for this special event. Schools can include not only the walkers, but also those students who prefer to roll, take the bus, park and walk, or carpool.

Back in the 1950s, Ruby Bridges was a six-year old African American girl in Louisiana who was assigned to attend an all-white educational institution. She endured verbal abuse from bystanders during her daily walk to class, and most of her white classmates were pulled out of school after she started attending. Ruby and her parents persevered, and over time, the school was successfully desegregated. Now Ruby is a teacher dedicated to inspiring others.

Last year, Bayside Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy in Sausalito celebrated the achievements of Ruby Bridges by walking to campus. “Eight students from our middle school traveled to our elementary school to host the event. Heavy rain occurred on that day so we could not hold the session outdoors, but our students walked from classroom to classroom, promoting Ruby’s story and the Safe Routes mission,” said Phillip Logan, Community School Director with the Sausalito-Marin City School District.

According to AAA, last year 343,000 students from 1,400 schools around the United States took part in Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day.

Introducing Mira Schwirtz, Our New Volunteer Coordinator

As Safe Routes to Schools’ new Volunteer Coordinator, Mira is excited to join forces with dedicated parent volunteers at elementary schools all across Marin to make walking and rolling to school a healthy habit.

Mira brings a background in marketing writing and project management to Safe Routes to Schools. She has worked in communications and outreach with a number of nonprofit organizations including the University of San Francisco and the YMCA of the East Bay. She is especially appreciative of the opportunity Safe Routes to Schools provides to build stronger school communities.

A Marin Native and Novato resident, Mira loves to bike and walk around her community, often in company with Russ, her Australian Shepherd. She has two children who attend Novato schools, where she also volunteers. Her most memorable cycling adventure was spending two months touring South Africa with her husband.

Please drop Mira an email and introduce yourself or let her know if you have any questions or concerns: [email protected].

A Plea for E-bike Safety

As e-bikes and e-scooters have surged in popularity with students in Marin, so has public outcry over concerns for students’ safety. School administrators, city officials, and local law enforcement have been besieged by complaints about students traveling too fast, many without helmets, while swerving rapidly past cars and pedestrians on sidewalks not wide enough to handle them.

Two Marin communities have taken steps to mitigate unsafe behavior on hefty devices that allow children to travel at twice the speed students normally travel on non-motorized bikes or scooters.

The Ross School partnered with the Ross police department to develop a “Caught Being Kind” incentive program to award kindergarten through eighth grade students for good riding behavior. Ross law enforcement hands out Caught Being Kind cards for wearing helmets, riding slowly, and obeying the laws. The cards can be entered into a raffle drawing for ice cream, pizza, and other sought after gift cards. Ross teacher Ms. Caitlin Santin led her Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) students to create the safety campaign and a video to promote it.

In Mill Valley, where e-bikes are prevalent among the 600 middle and high school students that ride to school daily, Police Department Chief Rick Navarro is taking a different approach. After a year of outreach and education about wearing helmets and riding responsibly, the Mill Valley Police Department changed their local ordinance to give police authority to cite students for a diversion program, mandating that they attend a class taught by Safe Routes to Schools instructors. The teen class is part of Marin County Bicycle Coalitions’ E-Bike Smart Marin program and carries a $150 fee to attend. Twenty students will be attending the first class in Mill Valley on September 9.

Chief Navarro says, “Thank you again, for all that you are doing to allow students to be successful and safe. We in law enforcement truly appreciate the partnership.”

What Kind of E-bike is recommended?

“They are basically mini-motorcycles. I got hoodwinked into buying one.” – Anonymous parent of a teen about Class II e-bike

Marin Safe Routes to Schools strongly discourages parents from purchasing Class 2 throttle e-bikes for children under the age of 16.

Many popular manufacturers of Class 2 e-bikes also only recommend them for teens 16 and over. Several states have already outlawed Class 2 e-bikes for students under 16, and California legislation is currently debating if our state’s law should be revised as well. Currently California law states that Class I (pedal assist) and Class 2 e-bikes are legal for children of any age, while Class 3 (throttle assist bikes that travel up to 28 mph) have an age restriction of 16 years and above. For parent e-bike safety tips, read here.

Twenty Million Awarded to Improve Conditions for Walking and Rolling

Securing the funds for the projects that make it safer to walk and roll to school is key to ensure that these projects are studied, designed, and ultimately built. Recently 11 projects throughout Marin County were awarded almost $20 million in grant funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s highly competitive Active Transportation Program and One Bay Area Grant program. A number of these projects will directly impact students’ abilities to walk and roll to school.
Five projects in San Rafael received funding through the grant programs. Over $8 million will be devoted to two projects in the Canal neighborhood. Some of them include the study of a pedestrian bridge across San Rafael Creek and the funding of walking and rolling improvements throughout the neighborhood, such as filling sidewalk gaps, improving lighting, and calming traffic. Other projects will study active transportation upgrades in North San Rafael and Southeast San Rafael and will make changes at the Second Street/Fourth Street intersection.
Corte Madera also received a $3.5 million funding for two projects. One of them will aim to close gaps in the active transportation network by improving the multi-use pathway on Wornum Drive and adding a cycle track on Nellen Avenue. The second project will focus on making improvements along Paradise Drive.
In Sausalito, half a million dollars will go towards studying bike lanes along Bridgeway from Princess Street to Richardson Street. This would fill a critical gap in the City’s active transportation network.
With all these recent wins, it is clear to see that Marin County is making strides to improve walking and rolling for its students.
Task Force ChangeTask Force Change

Important Change to Be Made to Safe Routes Task Forces

The Safe Routes Task Forces will take a fresh approach to engage the whole community in increasing green trips to and from school, thereby decreasing traffic congestion in the community.
At each task force meeting, we’ll use new, data-driven tools to determine the potential of each school to increase walking and rolling trips. These tools include dot maps, which use anonymized student data to show how many students live within walking or biking distance of school. We’ll also consider student survey results that show the different modes students use to get to and from school. These tools will allow the task forces to focus their attention on the best strategies for increasing green trips.

Safe Routes to Schools will also organize separate meetings with district principals to get their input on how best to increase green trips in their schools. Equity priority schools will have the opportunity to have separate meetings if parents are unable to attend task force meetings. Our new partners, Strategic Energy Innovations, will be developing leadership programs in those schools to engage the students.

Please come with your suggestions on how to increase access to walking, biking, and shared transportation choices for school communities. With your support, a culture of active and shared commute to schools can be realized with safer streets for students.

Marin Primary School Sets Participation Record for Walk and Roll Wednesdays

In only one year since their return to the Safe Routes to Schools program, the efforts of parent volunteers from Marin Primary School is paying off. They have seen a significant jump in the levels of participation in their Rock and Roll Wednesdays events. Last year, an average of 55 students walked or rolled to school with a record-setting 100-plus participants on some Wednesdays; this is an exceptionally high number for a private school where commutes are typically long.

“It was fun to see participants from our entire community show up on those mornings,” said Dana Cole, one of the parent volunteers who helped organize the events. “There was so much enthusiasm.”

Cole and her fellow volunteer, Catherine Hedrick, reignited the green travel campaign after the program lapsed at the school. They created enthusiasm for walking and rolling by adding a theme and dressing up. For November’s Walk and Roll, for example, they donned fuzzy hats in the shape of turkeys. After the holiday break, they turned hosting the events over to the students. Once a month, a different class added a spin of their own, creating the theme, prizes, or treats. One class hosted a spring flowers-themed Wednesday. Another used St. Patrick’s Day as their theme.

The incentives were key, acknowledged Cole and Hedrick. The PTA decided to add to the prizes offered by Safe Routes to School. And they had plenty of treats, like doughnut holes. “[They] were the real prize of the morning,” Hedrick said.

“We are hoping for another successful year and clear days ahead,” Cole said.

Meet the Shepps, Bike Train Superstars!

Bike trains for elementary school walkers and riders are a fun way to encourage healthy green travel. Parents Joey and Stacy Shepp from Manor Elementary have led an enthusiastic, two-mile bike train route for the past few years. Several meet-up locations en route encourage families to join in.

“[It’s] an exciting parade to school where the kids have fun waving to all the onlookers who smile back,” said Joey Shepp. Going above and beyond, the Shepps help their young riders practice responsible riding including observing traffic signs, using hand signals, and following bike lanes and sharrows, all while getting to school early to enjoy prizes from the monthly Walk and Roll Wednesday table.

Twice a year, the bike train becomes a real parade, with a fire truck and police car escort down Sir Francis Drake boulevard. And last year, the bike train added students from Ross Valley Charter.

Safe Routes to Schools has often been described as fostering community building, creating friendships and family connectedness through the simple pleasure of walking and rolling to school together. This sentiment is echoed by the Shepps. “It is a great way to be social with other parents and kids, establishing a face-to-face community that you just don’t get when you drive to school.”

According to the Shepps, more than half of Manor’s students participated in the school’s Walk and Roll Wednesday events last year. Joey Shepp adds, “when we make announcements about the Walk and Roll program at our morning school assemblies, the kids cheer with excitement and purpose. I believe many families have started biking and walking to school because of this program, and continue to make it a habit because their kids love the community and prizes. I consider Walk and Roll to be a core program of our school’s culture and I’m thrilled to be part of it.”

This article was originally published in the 2018/2019 Safe Routes to Schools evaluation report conducted by the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM). TAM conducts the comprehensive evaluation every three years. Here is the 2019/20 – 2021/22 Evaluation Report; the Shepps’ story can be found on page 36. [17 MB file]

Buddy UP!

Events, Homepage Feature

BUDDY UP to Walk, Park & Walk, Bike, Carpool or Ride the Bus Together!

Sign Up Between Now and October 31

Sign up your group of two or more students from neighboring families to travel to or from school.
Tell us your success story!

Habits are more likely to stick when families support each other. There’s safety in numbers and groups are more easily seen by drivers. Best of all, friendships and fun memories are formed!

There will be a $50 award for 5 winning groups. Notifications will be sent out in early November.

Read About Last Year’s Winners

Schools across the county will be celebrating International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 4th. More information about the festivities coming soon!

E-Bikes Are Electrifying the Future!

What Parents Should Know

In response to an increasing number of questions and concerns over student safety riding E-bikes, Safe Routes has created an informational flyer with recommendations.

DOWNLOAD FLYER

DOWNLOAD SPANISH FLYER

SR2S Boletín Verano de 2023

Boletín

Más de 3.000 Estudiantes Desafiaron la Lluvia para Celebrar el Día de ir en Bicicleta a la Escuela

Desde arriba, en el sentido de las agujas del reloj: El voluntario Erick Betancourt con estudiantes de Ross Valley Charter forman un tren de bicicletas para celebrar el Día Nacional de Ir en Bicicleta a la Escuela. | La estudiante de Lynwood, Hanna Jasson, de 9 años, se vistió como Yoda para el Día Nacional de Ir en Bicicleta a la Escuela y el final del desafío Return of the J.E.D.I. | Rosario Mendoza, estudiante de West Marin, está encantada de ser declarada ganadora de una bicicleta Cleary el 3 de mayo. | Owen Wentzel de Miller Creek.

En la fría y lluviosa mañana del 3 de mayo, más de 3.000 estudiantes de 38 escuelas de Marin caminaron y rodaron hasta la escuela para celebrar el Día Nacional de Ir en Bicicleta a la Escuela. La fecha también marcó la gran final del Desafío el Regreso del JEDI, un concurso de tres meses de duración organizado por Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas.

El Día Nacional de Ir en Bicicleta a la Escuela es la segunda celebración más grande de transporte activo realizada por Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas cada año.

Muchas escuelas celebraron en grande este año: Reed, Bel Aire, Vallecito, Manor y Ross Valley Charter organizaron trenes de bicicletas, Lynwood Elementary registró una participación del 74 % y Loma Verde ofreció premios adicionales para caminantes y patinadores. Estos son sólo algunos ejemplos del espíritu de celebración durante el Día de Ir en Bicicleta a la Escuela en el condado.

“Los niños estaban muy entusiasmados con el Desafío JEDI. El día antes de cada evento, envié un mensaje de texto para recordar a los padres y aumentar la participación. Creo que fue muy divertido”, señaló Virginia Menzel, enlace comunitaria de Loma Verde.

Para participar en el desafío, los estudiantes caminaron, montaron en bicicleta, patinaron, viajaron en autobús o en automóvil compartido a la escuela y visitaron la mesa de bienvenida de Rutas Seguras, donde los padres voluntarios les entregaron “tarjetas JEDI”. Estas fueron estampadas por los voluntarios cada dos miércoles para participar en un sorteo.

Cleary Bikes, un concesionario de bicicletas para niños con sede en Richmond, y Mike’s Bikes, con sede en Marín, donaron una bicicleta y un casco respectivamente por sitio escolar.

“Soy madre soltera y ha sido difícil para mí darle muchas cosas a mi hija”, dijo Tera Thompson, la madre de Jewel Argueta, de 11 años, estudiante de 5° grado de la escuela primaria Olive, quien ganó una de las bicicletas. Ella nota que su hija, de hecho, no tenía una. Thompson agrega que, “Jewel ha caminado sola a la escuela todos los días durante los últimos dos años y está lejos, así que creo que esta bicicleta la ayudará con su independencia”. Jewel usará la bicicleta para viajar a la escuela secundaria Sinaloa el próximo año.

Brandon Rodas, de ocho años, estudiante de segundo grado de Loma Verde, tenía el presentimiento de que iba a ganar la bicicleta, según su madre, Hilda Rodas. “Él mencionó eso en la mañana y llamó más tarde de la escuela y me dijo: ‘¡Te dije que iba a ganar!’”, dijo. Rodas agregó que ella y su esposo tenían la intención de comprar una bicicleta nueva para Brandon desde hace un tiempo porque la que está usando es demasiado pequeña, pero tampoco tenían el dinero para reemplazarla.

“Ha sido una inspiración ver lo emocionados que se ponen los niños por los viajes en grupo a la escuela, muchos de ellos con una sonrisa de oreja a oreja al entrar a sus clases. Estos niños son nuestros futuros viajeros adultos que están aprendiendo la importancia de las rutas seguras y la asociación necesaria entre todos los usuarios de la carretera para que funcione. Estoy muy emocionado de seguir trabajando con los padres y MCBC en este gran programa”, dijo Erick Betancourt, padre voluntario de Ross Valley Charter.

Reparación Gratuita de Bicicletas para La Comunidad del Canal

Los mecánicos voluntarios de Bike Mobile arreglaron unas 50 bicicletas gratis el sábado 20 de mayo en Pickleweed Park en San Rafael. El evento, organizado por la Coalición de Ciclistas de Marín y Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas, demostró su compromiso con la comunidad del Canal.

Uno de los objetivos del evento es ayudar a los estudiantes de bajos recursos a restaurar sus bicicletas para que puedan disfrutarlas de manera segura. Esto significó neumáticos nuevos, pastillas de freno y cadenas nuevas, entre otras cosas. El estudiante estudiante que trabajó como mecánico, Nayed García, dos veces voluntario del Bike Fest, dijo: “El evento es increíblemente enriquecedor y se siente genial renovar estas bicicletas y luego verlas pedalear por el vecindario durante todo el verano”.

Además, Rutas Seguras organizó una clase integral de seguridad en bicicleta, a la que asistieron 30 niños aficionados al ciclismo. Muchos de ellos eran estudiantes de la escuela primaria Bahía Vista, de cinco a diez años. La clase cubrió las reglas de seguridad esenciales, el comportamiento de conducción responsable y el uso correcto del equipo de seguridad. El objetivo era proveer a estos jóvenes ciclistas con el conocimiento que necesitan para navegar con seguridad su vecindario, contribuyendo a una comunidad más segura y saludable.

Pero, ¿qué es un Bike Fest sin un desfile? Como cierre del evento, MCBC y Safe Routes organizaron un desfile de bicicletas para toda la familia a lo largo del pintoresco Bay Trail, acompañados por adolescentes del Club de Ciclistas Cory’s Ride, quienes son modelos de comportamiento de conducción segura.

Los organizadores ya están planeando el evento del próximo año, que puede incluir un sorteo de cascos. “La seguridad de nuestros jóvenes ciclistas es primordial y creemos que esta iniciativa contribuirá aún más a su bienestar y confianza mientras exploran su vecindario sobre dos ruedas”, dijo Cooper Miley, coordinador de voluntarios de Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas.

Gracias por Ser Parte de La Aldea

Loma Verde Kelly Smith at Welcome table Fall 2022 OK

Dar vida al programa Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas requiere una aldea completa. Un equipo de más de 127 padres voluntarios (algunos de ellos presidentes del PTA), enlaces comunitarios, maestros, directores y personal de las oficinas escolares se unieron a los siete miembros de Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas para hacer que esto suceda para los niños de Marín.

Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas quiere agradecer a todas las personas involucradas en 52 escuelas. Gracias a todos ellos, la organización logró tener 350 mesas de bienvenida matutinas para saludar a los caminantes y patinadores y enseñar a más de 10,000 estudiantes a andar en bicicleta y caminar de manera segura. Muchos voluntarios y administradores escolares también asistieron a las reuniones del grupo de trabajo, donde expresaron sus preocupaciones sobre la infraestructura que rodea a las escuelas.

En pocas palabras, Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas no existiría sin todos ellos. Aquí están los miembros de nuestra aldea 2022-23 que brindaron habilidades para la vida y alegría a miles de niños este año.

Lynwood Rompe Récord de Participación en el Día de Ir en Bicicleta a la Escuela

Un sorprendente 74% de las familias de la Escuela Primaria Lynwood caminaron y rodaron hasta la escuela para lo que se convirtió en una fiesta paraguas en la entrada de la escuela el 3 de mayo. La fecha marcó la celebración del Día Nacional de la Bicicleta a la Escuela, la segunda celebración más importante del transporte activo que organiza Rutas Seguras a la Escuela cada primavera. También fue el cierre del desafío de tres meses, el Regreso del JEDI.

Diez padres voluntarios, música pop a todo volúmen, cientos de incentivos grandes y pequeños y una amplia cobertura del Marin Independent Journal fueron parte de la gran celebración. Para leer la historia completa publicada por Marin Independent Journal, haga clic AQUÍ.

“Esto ha sido un gran éxito hoy”, dijo el director interino Rick Van Adelsberg al Marin IJ. “La gente simplemente siguió adelante con el evento a pesar de la lluvia”. Señaló que vio la menor cantidad de autos en el círculo en frente de la entrada desde diciembre, cuando comenzó a trabajar en Lynwood.

El esfuerzo fue dirigido por una madre voluntaria, Janet Carter, quien creó un gran revuelo publicitario en su comunidad. Carter considera que alentar a las familias que viven lejos de la escuela a estacionarse y caminar el resto del camino incrementó sustancialmente la participación en el concurso.

Para la ocasión, Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas rifó una bicicleta donada por Cleary Bikes y un casco donado por Mike’s Bikes. Carter también se acercó a las empresas locales en busca de premios, asegurando 100 timbres para bicicletas de Class Cycle y 60 tarjetas de regalo de $5 de la tienda de juguetes Little Monkeys. Ambos negocios son de Novato.

El ruido que hicieron los estudiantes con los timbres de las bicicletas se pudo escuchar en todo el campus de Lynwood durante la duración del evento. Al final, Nathaly Ramos Pérez, alumna de tercer grado, ganó la bicicleta y el casco.

Otros niños estaban felices de estar allí para la celebración. “Nos gusta caminar a la escuela. Es más fácil que subirse al coche. Nos gustan los pequeños premios que recibimos en los Días de Caminar y Rodar. La idea de que alguien que conocemos pueda ganar el gran premio es emocionante”, dijo Kairi Leyland, de 9 años, que cursa 4° grado. Ella camina a la escuela regularmente con su hermana pequeña, Astrid, de seis años, que está en kindergarten.

Los Héroes del Ciclismo en Marín ¡Reconocidos!

Marin Safe Routes to Schools se enorgullece en anunciar a los ganadores de los premios El Héroe del Ciclismo. Hubo 138 nominaciones y 24 escuelas representadas en nuestro concurso BIKE HERO 2023. Maestros, padres, vecinos y compañeros de estudios enviaron testimonios de estudiantes que lideraron a sus compañeros, escalaron grandes colinas y ayudaron a sus hermanos pequeños, todo mientras obedecían las reglas de tránsito en bicicleta. Se seleccionaron dos estudiantes de primaria y dos estudiantes de secundaria para el premio 2023. ¡Felicitaciones a ellos ya todos los estudiantes que fueron nominados!

Esto es lo que dijeron amigos y familiares sobre nuestros Héroes del Ciclismo del 2023:

Ulysses Levitt, Laurel Dell, Kindergarten:
Ulysses merece ganar el premio Bike Hero, porque desde el comienzo de kindergarten siempre ha ido en bicicleta a la escuela. Más allá de su consistencia, también superó un accidente: A mitad de año, de camino a la escuela, un día se cayó de la bicicleta y se rompió el brazo. Después de recibir un yeso y rehabilitarlo, volvió a subirse a su bicicleta y ha estado tratando de conquistar el lugar donde se cayó. Ha estado tomando algunas medidas para recuperar su confianza (como volver a ponerse las ruedas de entrenamiento y caminar con su bicicleta por el lugar del accidente), ¡pero continúa intentándolo! Esta dedicación y determinación en un niño de seis años es lo que define a un Héroe del Ciclismo Escolar.

Maggie Arenas, Primaria Hidden Valley, 4° grado:
Desde kindergarten, Maggie ha estado montando su bicicleta hacia y desde la escuela (dos millas en cada dirección desde Fairfax hasta Hidden Valley). Ella monta su bicicleta llueva o haga sol, 90 grados o 28 grados con guantes dobles y un abrigo pesado. Estamos muy agradecidos de poder continuar con nuestro trabajo porque ella puede ir en bicicleta a la escuela. Ella también anima a otros en nuestro vecindario a montar también. Maggie se preocupa por el medio ambiente y espera continuar navegando las carreteras transitadas (especialmente Butterfield) en su bicicleta hasta el quinto grado el próximo año y, por supuesto, cuando comience en White Hill también. Estamos muy orgullosos de nuestra Heroína del Ciclismo Escolar desde el momento en que comenzó a andar en bicicleta a los seis años hasta ahora que tiene diez.

August Larsen, Escuela Intermedia San José, 8° grado:
August es un ciclista seguro y amigable. Ha ido en bicicleta a la escuela todos los días durante tres años y ahora está ansioso de continuar en la escuela secundaria. Es seguro y conoce bien las normas de tráfico. Viaja con su hermano y lo alienta a subir la “gran colina” en Sunset. Lo he visto cuidar de otros mientras está en su bicicleta, ofreciéndose a ayudar a poner una cadena o ayudar a cambiar una llanta. ¡Él siempre está en su bicicleta!

Aurora DeVilbiss, Kent Middle, 8° grado:
Soy vecina de Aurora y con frecuencia la veo ir en bicicleta a la escuela mucho antes que muchos estudiantes, lo que me demuestra que tiene un programa temprano al que llegar. Como alumna de octavo grado, Aurora es una de las ciclistas mayores y es un muy buen ejemplo para otros más jóvenes que toman la misma ruta. Siempre lleva casco y se concentra en su entorno, lo cual es esencial para navegar en dos intersecciones muy concurridas a lo largo de su ruta, incluída la calle Wolfe Grade. También reduce la velocidad y se detiene cuando las condiciones lo requieren, como en calles laterales estrechas y congestionadas.

Miles se beneficiaron de las clases de seguridad SR2S este año

Más de 10,000 estudiantes de 59 escuelas primarias y secundarias se beneficiaron este año de 400 clases de seguridad para peatones y ciclistas impartidas por Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas en Marín. El propósito de estas clases es enseñar a los niños cómo andar por las calles de manera segura mientras usan un medio de transporte activo.

Este año, el programa agregó diez escuelas nuevas y algunas otras que regresaron después de una pausa.

Los dos componentes principales de la instrucción son la seguridad de los peatones para los alumnos de 2° y 3° grado, y las destrezas y la seguridad en bicicleta para los alumnos de 4°, 5° y 6° grado.

Durante las clases de seguridad para peatones, los estudiantes levantan la mano para compartir cuáles son los beneficios de caminar y viajar a la escuela. La mayoría están bien informados sobre cómo los automóviles contribuyen al calentamiento global y constantemente mencionan que menos carros en la carretera es mejor para la Tierra. La salud mental y física y menos tráfico son otras respuestas comunes que ofrecen.

Para comenzar, se imparte a los alumnos una clase teórica sobre cómo cruzar la calle de forma segura. En una sesión de seguimiento, se lleva a los alumnos de segundo y tercer grado a un breve “viaje de campo”, donde pueden practicar lo que se les explicó antes. La salida está dirigida por un instructor de Rutas Seguras y al menos un maestro de la escuela.

Mientras tanto, los alumnos de 4º a 6º grado se benefician de un “rodeo de bicicletas”. Allí aprenden a andar en bicicleta, mantener el equilibrio, decidir hacia dónde girar, escanear su entorno, quitar una mano del manubrio para señalar, entre muchas otras habilidades.

Para los rodeos de bicicletas, Rutas Seguras proporciona bicicletas y cascos a los estudiantes que no tienen uno. También hay patinetas disponibles para quienes las prefieren o no saben montar en bicicleta.

Las clases se programan normalmente durante el horario de educación física. “El objetivo principal es que aprendan las reglas de tránsito y conduzcan con seguridad. Pero más que eso, Rutas Seguras quiere ayudar a los niños a imaginar un mundo con menos autos y ayudarlos a ver la diversión y la alegría que el ciclismo puede brindarle a sus vidas”, dijo el instructor principal de Rutas Seguras, Tyler Randazzo.

Si desea programar las clases de seguridad para peatones y ciclistas de Safe Routes, comuníquese con Katy Vanoni, coordinadora de educación de Rutas Seguras a las Escuelas, a [email protected].

Guardia de Cruce del Año – Alice Yan de Mill Valley

Cada año, la Autoridad de Transporte de Marín honra a uno de sus muchos guardias de cruce por su destacado servicio a su comunidad. La homenajeada de este año es Alice Yan, quien ayuda a los estudiantes a cruzar de manera segura la intersección de Throckmorton y Old Mill al frente de Old Mill School en Mill Valley. Desde el 2016, Alice nunca ha perdido un turno. Ella llegó a los Estados Unidos en 1991 y ha sido residente de Mill Valley desde entonces.

Alice fue honrada en la reunión de la junta de la Autoridad de Transporte de Marín, TAM, el pasado 25 de mayo. Tanto la supervisora Stephanie Moulton Peters como el concejal de Mill Valley, Urban Carmel, tenían hijos que asistían a la escuela Old Mill.

El supervisor Moulton Peters dijo al presentar el premio: “Alice, en nombre de la Junta de TAM, nuestra comunidad, nuestros maestros, el personal y nuestros escolares, ¡Me gustaría expresar nuestro más profundo agradecimiento por su gran dedicación para mantener seguros a nuestros escolares!”.

“Gracias por su dedicado servicio a los Niños de Marín. Su trabajo como Guardia de Cruce ha marcado la diferencia para innumerables estudiantes y familias en la comunidad. ¡Agradecemos su compromiso con la seguridad, su manera cariñosa y su sonrisa de bienvenida!”

SR2S Newsletter Summer 2023

Newsletter

Over 3,000 Students Braved the Rain to Celebrate Bike to School Day

Clockwise from top: Volunteer Erick Betancourt with students from Ross Valley Charter form a bike train to celebrate National Bike to School Day. | Lynwood student Hanna Jasson, 9, dressed as Yoda for National Bike to School Day and the end of the Return of the J.E..DI. challenge. | Marin student Rosario Mendoza is elated to be declared the winner of a Cleary bike on May 3. | Owen Wentzel at Miller Creek.

On the cold, rainy morning of May 3rd, over 3,000 students from 38 Marin schools walked and rolled to school to celebrate National Bike to School Day. The date also marked the grand finale of the Return of the J.E.D.I. Challenge, a three-month-long contest organized by Safe Routes to Schools.

National Bike to School Day is the second largest celebration of active transportation held by Safe Routes to Schools every year.

.Many schools went big on their celebrations this year: Reed, Bel Aire, Vallecito, Manor and Ross Valley Charter organized bike trains, Lynwood Elementary registered a 74% percent participation, and Loma Verde offered additional prizes for walkers and rollers. They represent just a few examples of the celebratory spirit during Bike to School Day in the County.

“Kids were really excited about the JEDI Challenge. The day before every event, I sent out a text to remind the parents and increase the participation. I think it was very fun,” noted Loma Verde Community Liaison Virginia Menzel.

.To participate in the challenge, students walked, biked, scooted, skated, rode the bus or carpooled to school and visited the Safe Routes’ welcome table, where parent volunteers handed them “J.E.D.I. cards.” These were stamped by the volunteers on every other Wednesday and entered into a drawing. Cleary Bikes, a Richmond-based kids’ bikes dealership, and Marin-based Mike’s Bikes donated one bike and one helmet respectively per school site.

“I am a single mom and it’s been hard for me to provide my daughter with many things,” said Thera Thompson, the mother of 11-year-old Jewel Argueta, a fifth grader from Olive Elementary who won one of the bikes. She notes that her daughter, in fact, did not own a bike. Thompson adds that, “Jewel has walked to school every day on her own for the last two years and it’s far, so I think this bike will help her with her independence.” Jewel will be using the bike to commute to Sinaloa Middle School next year.

Eight-year-old Brandon Rodas, a second grader from Loma Verde, had a gut feeling he was going to win the bike, according to his mom, Hilda Rodas. “He mentioned that in the morning and he called later from the school and told me, ‘I told you I was going to win it!’,” she said. Rodas added that she and her husband had been meaning to buy a new bike for Brandon for a while because the one he is using is way too small, but they also did not have the money to replace it.

“It’s been an inspiration seeing how excited the kids get for the group rides to school, many of them with smiles ear to ear going into their classes. These kids are our future adult commuters that are learning the importance of safe routes and the partnership needed between all road users to make it work. I’m really excited to continue working with parents and MCBC on this great program.”

Free Bike Repair Offered to Canal Neighborhood Residents

Volunteer mechanics from the Bike Mobile fixed about 50 bicycles for free on Saturday, May 20th at Pickleweed Park in San Rafael. The event, organized by the Marin Bicycle Coalition and Safe Routes to Schools, demonstrated their commitment to the Canal community.

One of the goals of the event is to help low-income students restore their bikes so they can be enjoyed safely. This meant new tires, fresh brake pads, and chains, among other things. Student mechanic, Nayed Garcia, a two-time Bike Fest volunteer, said, “The event is incredibly empowering and it feels great to renew these bikes and then get to see them pedaled around the neighborhood all summer long.”

In addition, Safe Routes hosted a comprehensive bicycle safety class, attended by 30 enthusiastic young riders. Many of them were Bahia Vista Elementary students, ages five to 10. The class covered essential safety rules, responsible riding behavior, and the correct use of safety gear. The aim was to empower these young riders with the knowledge they need to safely navigate their neighborhood, contributing to a safer, healthier community.

But what’s a Bike Fest without a parade? As an event finale, MCBC and Safe Routes organized a family-friendly bike parade along the scenic Bay Trail, chaperoned by teens from the Cory’s Ride Bicycle Club who are models of safe riding behavior.

The organizers are already planning for next year’s event, which may feature a helmet giveaway. “The safety of our young riders is paramount, and we believe that this initiative will further contribute to their well-being and confidence as they explore their neighborhood on two wheels,” said Safe Routes to Schools Volunteer Coordinator Cooper Miley.

Thank You for Being Part of the Village

Loma Verde parent volunteer Kelly Smith tends to a welcome table in the Spring.

Bringing the Safe Routes to Schools program to life takes a village. A crew of over 115 parent volunteers (some of them PTA Presidents), community liaisons, teachers, principals, and office managers, joined the seven staff members from Safe Routes to Schools, to make it happen for the children of Marin.

Safe Routes to Schools wants to thank all the people involved in 52 schools. Because of all of them, Safe Routes to Schools managed to host 350 morning welcome tables to greet walkers and rollers and to teach over 10,000 students how to ride and walk safely. Many volunteers and school administrators also attended the Task Force Meetings, where they voiced their concerns about infrastructure surrounding the schools.

Simply put, Safe Routes to Schools would not exist without all of them. Here are the members of our 2022-23 village that brought life skills and joy to thousands of children this year.

Lynwood Breaks Participation Record on Bike to School Day

A whopping 74% of Lynwood Elementary’s families walked and rolled to school for what turned into an umbrella party by the school entrance on May 3rd. The date marked the celebration of the National Bike to School Day, the second most important celebration of active transportation organized by Safe Routes to Schools every spring. It was also the wrap up of the three-month-long challenge, the Return of the J.E.D.I.

Ten parent volunteers, loud pop music, hundreds of incentives big and small, and ample coverage by the Marin Independent Journal were part of the big celebration. To read the full story published by the Marin Independent Journal, click HERE.

“This has been a great success today,” Interim Principal Rick Van Adelsberg told the Marin IJ. “Folks just stepped up in spite of the rain.” He noted that he saw the least number of cars at drop off since December, when he started working at Lynwood.

The effort was led by parent volunteer Janet Carter, who created a huge publicity buzz in her community. Carter considers that encouraging families who live far from the school to park and walk the rest of the way substantially increased the participation in the contest.

For the occasion, Safe Routes to Schools raffled off a bike donated by Cleary Bikes and a helmet donated by Mike’s Bikes. Carter also approached local businesses for prizes, securing 100 bike bells from Class Cycle and sixty $5 gift cards from Little Monkeys toy store. Both businesses are from Novato.

The noise the students made with the bike bells could be heard all over the Lynwood campus during the extent of the event. At the end of the event, Nathaly Ramos Pérez, a third grader, won the bicycle and helmet.

Other children were just happy to be there for the celebration. “We like walking to school. It’s easier than to get in the car. We like the small prizes we receive on Walk and Roll Days and the idea that somebody we know can win the big prize is exciting,” said 9-year-old Kairi Leyland, who is in fourth grade. She walks to school regularly with her little sister Astrid, 6, a kindergartener.

Marin BIKE HEROES Recognized!

Marin Safe Routes to Schools is proud to announce the winners of the Bike Hero awards. There were 138 nominations and 24 schools represented in our BIKE HERO 2023 contest! Teachers, parents, neighbors, and fellow students sent in testimonials of students leading their peers, climbing big hills, and helping little brothers – all while obeying the rules of the road on bike. Two students were selected from elementary and two students from middle for the 2023 award. Congratulations to them and to all the students who were nominated!

Here is what friends and family had to say about our BIKE HEROES for 2023:

Ulysses Levitt, Laurel Dell, Kindergarten:
Ulysses deserves to win the Bike Hero award, because from the start of Kindergarten he consistently rode his bike to school. Beyond his consistency, partway through the year, on his way to school one day he fell off his bike and broke his arm. After getting a cast and rehabilitating it, he has gotten back on his bike and has been trying to conquer the spot that he fell off. He has been taking some steps to rebuild his confidence (like putting training wheels back on and walking his bike through the spot he fell off), but he continues to try! It is this dedication and determination in a 6 year old that I think is the definition of a Bike to School Hero.

Maggie Arenas, Hidden Valley Elementary, 4th grade:
Since kindergarten, Maggie has been riding her bike to and from school (two miles each way from Fairfax to Hidden Valley). She rides her bike rain or shine, 90 degrees or 28 degrees wearing double gloves and a puffy coat. We are so grateful that we are able to continue our jobs because she can ride her bike to school. She also encourages others in our neighborhood to ride too. Maggie cares for the environment and hopes to continue to navigate the busy roads (especially Butterfield) by riding her bike through fifth grade next year, and of course when she starts White Hill too. We are so proud of our Bike to School Hero from the moment she started riding as a 6 year old until this very moment as a 10 year old.

August Larsen, San Jose Intermediate, 8th grade:
August is a safe and friendly rider. He has ridden his bike to school daily for three years and now is looking forward to high school riding. He is safe and reads the traffic well. He rides with his brother and encourages him to get up the “big hill” on Sunset. I’ve seen him take care of others while on his bike, offering to help put a chain back on or help change a tire. He is always on his bike!

Aurora DeVilbiss, Kent Middle, 8th grade:
I am Aurora’s neighbor and I frequently see her biking to school much earlier than many students, showing me that she has an early program to get to. As an 8th grader, Aurora is one of the older riders and sets a very good example for the many younger riders taking the same route. She is always in a helmet and focused on her surroundings, which is essential for navigating two very busy intersections along her route, including Wolfe Grade. She also slows and stops when conditions require it, like on narrow and congested side streets.

Thousands Benefited from SR2S Safety Classes This Year

Over 10,000 students from 59 elementary and middle schools benefited this year from 400 pedestrian bike safety classes taught by Marin Safe Routes to Schools. The purpose of these classes is to teach children how to navigate the streets safely while using an active mode of transportation.

This year, the program added ten new and returning schools to the education program.

The two main components of instruction are Pedestrian Safety for 2nd and 3rd Graders, and Bicycle Skills and Safety for 4th, 5th and 6th Graders.

During the pedestrian safety classes, students shoot their hands up to share what the benefits of walking and riding to school are. Most are well informed of how cars contribute to global warming, and they consistently mention that fewer cars on the road is better for the Earth. Mental and physical health and less traffic are other common answers they offer.

At first, the students are taught a theoretical class on how to cross the street safely. On a follow-up session, the second and third graders are taken out on a brief “field trip, ” where they can practice what was explained to them before. The outing is led by a teacher and at least one Safe Route to Schools staff member.

In the meantime, 4th-6th graders benefit from a “bike rodeo.” There, they learn how to ride a bike, keep their balance, decide what way to turn, scan their surroundings, remove a hand from the handle bar to signal, among many other skills.

For the bike rodeos, Safe Routes provides bikes and helmets to students who do not own one. Scooters are also available for those who prefer them or do not know how to ride a bike.

Classes are scheduled normally during the physical education time. The primary goal is for them to learn the rules of the road and ride safely. But more than anything else, Safe Routes want to help kids envision a world with fewer cars, and help them see the fun and joy that riding bikes can bring to their lives,” said Safe Routes Lead Instructor Tyler Randazzo.

If you want to schedule Safe Routes’ pedestrian and bike safety classes, contact Katy Vanoni, Safe Routes to Schools Education Coordinator, at [email protected]

Crossing Guard of the Year –
Alice Yan of Mill Valley

Each year, the Transportation Authority of Marin honors one of its many crossing guards for outstanding service to their community.

This year’s honoree is Alice Yan who helps students safely cross the intersection of Throckmorton and Old Mill near the front of Old Mill School in Mill Valley. Starting in 2016, Alice has never missed a shift for the last six plus year. Alice came to the United State in 1991 and has been a Mill Valley resident since then.

Alice was honored at the TAM board meeting on May 25th. Both Supervisor Stephanie Moulton Peters and Mill Valley councilmember Urban Carmel had children who attended Old Mill School. Supervisor Moulton Peters presented the award, “Alice, on behalf of the TAM Board, our community, our teachers, staff and our school children I would like to express our deepest appreciation for your profound dedication to keeping our school kids safe!

“Thank you for your dedicated service to the Children of Marin. Your work as a Crossing Guard has made a difference to countless students and families in the community. We appreciate your commitment to safety, your caring manner and your welcoming smile!”

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