Walk & Roll to School keeps cars off the road

On Wednesday, May 7, roughly 175 local students, parents and community members participated in the Vermont Walk & Roll to School Day in Waterbury. At 7 a.m. we gathered at Rusty Parker Park for a free breakfast provided by Waterbury LEAP and Waterbury in Motion. After everyone sampled coffee, bagels and fruit, an energized crowd was reminded that Waterbury was participating with people from across the state and across the world. This international event demonstrates that more walking and biking improves our health, decreases auto emissions, improves air quality, decreases traffic, makes our streets safer and helps kids arrive at school more alert and ready to learn.

People then divided up into four groups. One group walked to Crossett Brook Middle School and another biked there. Two similar groups departed for Thatcher Brook Primary School. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the exercise and being outside with friends and neighbors on a gorgeous, chilly spring morning.

Many thanks to the staff at the Green Mountain Coffee Visitor Center & Café for helping with the coffee, and K.C.’s Bagels for their bagels. Recreation Committee chair Eric Weeber (who trades his car for a bike most days) and numerous community volunteers organized the food and served the crowd. Special thanks to Carol Baitz and Tom Thurston from Thatcher Brook, Wade Cole and Tom Drake from Crossett Brook, and the many school staff and administrators for their support, organization and participation.

Waterbury in Motion is an advocacy group of local volunteers working to develop a safe, active and accessible bike/pedestrian system in Waterbury and the surrounding area. If you’d like to participate in these efforts, please email duncan@clifonline.org.

Thanks again to all!

Bill Minter

Waterbury in Motion