Community Gets Rolling For Rushton In Shawnee Mission School District

Press release from the Shawnee Mission School District:

June 28, 2021

Students at Rushton Elementary celebrated National Bike Month in May with a “Rolling for Rushton” bike rodeo, where bike safety and fun were the number one goals.

Through Caring for Kids, the school partnered with BikeWalkKC for the event. BikeWalkKC provided bikes for use during the event for children of all sizes. New helmets were gifted to each participant provided by Rushton PTA, Casey’s Auto Repair and BikeWalkKC. As students registered, they learned the proper fit for their new helmet.

Participants ranged from beginner riders to experienced riders and included some that had not ridden a bike before.

“This is a great opportunity for students to learn, gain experience, and become more comfortable and confident in bike riding” shares Laura Steele, director of education for BikeWalkKC. “They learn about riding for transportation, recreation, fitness, and fun.”

Bike safety education, led by BikeWalkKC, began with the ABC’s of bike safety checks prior to riding. Students learned: A to always check the air in tires, B to evaluate brakes, and C to check the bike chain. Students joined a discussion about the importance of exercise and activity, with bicycling being a positive way to begin the day. They then made their way through a series of obstacle courses.

BikeWalkKC works closely with community officials to create safe bike routes to school and plans that enhance quality of life. The students were educated in bike safety as transportation with Nilo Fanska, Community Development Coordinator for the City of Mission. With the newly added bike lanes along Lamar, students ended the event with a short community bike ride.

This press release was produced by the Shawnee Mission School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.