Our 20-year Vision

Bold plans mean improved bicycling in Chicagoland

Our vision: Youth development connects communities

Our vision: Students walk and bike to school

Our vision: A blanket of bike plans

Our vision: Get in the game

Journey brings advocacy to next level

Outreach brings safe routes to schools, students

Events director takes on future of successful rides

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Our vision: Students walk and bike to school

Goal: 100 percent increase in the percentage of grade school students regularly walking and biking to school from current levels of 13 percent

"A group of children walking and biking to school in the morning is probably the simplest demonstration of what a walk-able and bike-able community looks like,” says Melody Geraci, Chicagoland Bicycle Federation’s Safe Routes to School director.

Students from Westbrook Elementary School participate in International Walk and Bike to School Day.

Besides being a fun pastime, walking and biking to school also serves as a model for people of all ages. Adults can walk or bike to a corner store, to a park, or to work.

Geraci says it is critical that communities recognize that reinvigorating the long-standing tradition of walking to school can inspire all members of their community.

In order for programs that promote walking and biking to school to be successful, we must engage stakeholders at every level, from elected officials to parents.

Geraci says that with people already excited about green and active living, now is the perfect opportunity to rally support for these programs.