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To the Editor,

On May 6, communities across the country will celebrate Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day, a national event organized by the National Center for Safe Routes to School that encourages children to walk, bike, or roll to school. The goal is simple: to support safe, active ways for kids to get to school and to build healthier, more connected communities.

This year, about 1,550 schools across the country are taking part, including 64 in Connecticut. In West Hartford, Aiken Elementary, Bugbee Elementary, Webster Hill Elementary, and King Philip Middle School will all participate.

While this may seem like a small event, it highlights a bigger issue. Over the years, our towns have become more and more focused on cars. Vehicles are getting bigger, and that can make streets less safe for pedestrians, especially children. At the same time, walking and biking are often pushed aside or seen as a choice, when for many families they are a practical way to get around.

Owning a car is expensive. Gas, insurance, and repairs add up quickly, often costing much more than a good bicycle. Walking and biking are not luxuries. They are simple, affordable ways to travel and should be safe options for everyone.

Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day is about more than one morning. It helps kids stay active, reduces traffic around schools, and builds confidence and independence. It also reminds us that our streets should work for people of all ages, not just for cars.

A big cheer for our town for the ongoing work to improve pedestrian and biking conditions. These changes are making a difference. Thank you as well to groups like Bike West Hartford for working with the community and helping move these efforts forward.

If you see students walking or biking on the morning of May 6, please give them the right of way and cheer them on. Let them enjoy and take part in public spaces they do not often get to use.

This is a chance to think about how we move in our towns and how we can make our streets safer and more welcoming for everyone.

Sincerely,
Carolina Ramirez
West Hartford