With children walking, biking and rolling to school on Thursday, traffic at one Coconut Grove school was significantly lighter during the event.
With the help of the Miami Police Department, the University of Miami BikeSafe / WalkSafe program, and a growing coalition of schools and volunteers, the Walk Bike & Roll to School Day (WBRTS) on Thursday mobilized families and school children throughout Coconut Grove. Twelve public and private schools participated.
In addition to great fun and a sense of community, the event offered impressive numbers. In past years, event organizers counted cars during the morning drop-off time at Coconut Grove Elementary School. This year’s numbers were the best so far.
On Wednesday, the day before the event, 246 cars passed through the intersection of Matilda Street and Oak Avenue during the drop-off period. On Thursday (Walk Bike & Roll to School Day), the number was 161 – 34.5% fewer cars.
Lotte Purkis, the lead organizer of WBRTSD, applauded the dozens of groups and individuals who helped to make the twice annual event a success.
“It’s getting better each time, and we’re learning more about how to do this well,” she said. “Our hope is that some of the changes we’re making, like the two-way bike lane on Matilda Street, will be permanent.”
Bikes at Coconut Grove Elementary School the morning of Walk Bike & Roll to School Day. The school has a bicycle parking facility, but it was nowhere near big enough.
The day before the event, students and volunteers created a pop-up two-way bike lane on Matilda Street between Grand and Oak Avenues.
Staff and volunteers from the University of Miami WalkSafe/BikeSafe program coordinated painting of the pop-up green bike lane.
At Frances S. Tucker Elementary, where most students walk to school, they were rewarded with a generous donation from the local Dunkin Donuts.
Sue Kawalerski of Bike 305 fits a young rider with a free bike helmet.
BWRSD organizer Lotte Purkis explains how shortened school traffic zones endanger children.
Representatives of the county’s Vision Zero pedestrian safety program and the Transportation Planning Office speak with parents.
Parents painted this crosswalk across Main Highway frustrated with the lack of safe crossings.
Approaching Frances S. Tucker Elementary School, students and parents navigate the shoulder abutting S. Douglas Road. On rainy days, parents report that this area becomes a muddy puddle.
Children gather at Blanche Park before they set off for school.
Students of Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart heading to school.
Children on their way to school pass a bus parked on the Commodore Trail in front of Ransom Everglades School.
Vehicles of all sizes participated in BWRSD
A happy family arrives at Coconut Grove elementary School for BWRSD.
A happy scooter rider arrives at Coconut Grove Elementary School.
Photos by Kurt Kaminer, Lotte Purkis, and Mary Munroe Seabrook.
