From the Washoe County School District:

Thousands of Washoe County School District (WCSD) students and staff will participate in “Bike to Work, School, and Fun Week” from May 15-19. Contests, competitions, and activities at schools and across the Truckee Meadows will draw attention to the health benefits of riding bicycles.

“We encourage our students and staff members to engage in healthy physical activities every day,” said WCSD Police Officer MJ Cloud, who also represents Safe Routes to School. “One great way to get exercise and spend time outdoors in the fresh air is to ride bikes back and forth to school or work. We are partnering with a number of businesses and community agencies during Bike Week, and we look forward to this year’s events.”

As part of the partnerships with area agencies, WCSD School Police take the opportunity during Bike Week to teach important messages about bicycle and traffic safety, provide safety equipment to students, and participate in the Ride for Reading, which promotes literacy among students. Events will also include a “Rack ‘Em Up” contest for students, who compete for the best decorated bike rack in the District. Winning schools will receive a portion of $1,800 in gift cards from Scheels. A “Tour de Safety” will also be held at Cold Springs Middle School.

“We are grateful to our community for supporting this event in so many ways,” said Officer Cloud. “It’s truly a team effort, and it’s been so successful in past years. I know our students and staff look forward to Bike Week each year, because it’s a way to spend time outside in the warmer weather, to enjoy the beautiful area we live in, and to engage in healthy physical exercise. I encourage everyone to take part this year!”