Be patient with kids biking to school

My name is Cate Mauer, and I’m 8 years old. This year, my brother and I rode our bikes to school most days, and we wanted to share what that’s like for a kid in our town.

There are lots of things we loved about biking to school. We got fresh air and exercise, we were surrounded by nature, and it was much quieter than being on a loud bus even though our bus driver, Trevor, is really nice. I also liked the feeling of being independent.

But sometimes it was hard. We crossed two busy streets without crossing guards, and sometimes there were trash cans, cars, or plants blocking the sidewalks so there was no safe space to go. Some sidewalks were very narrow or bumpy. Around Thoreau School, there was no good way to bike in while staying away from buses, cars, or other walkers. 

Once, a grownup even cussed at us while we were biking home and trying to avoid people on the sidewalks. That wasn’t nice.

There are some simple things people could do to help kids bike safely to and from school. Please don’t park on the sidewalk, or if you have to, leave enough space for people to get by without going into the street. Same with trash cans — please leave room. Keep your bushes cut back if they are next to the sidewalk. If you see someone waiting to cross a crosswalk, stop for them. 

And if a kid on a bike makes a mistake, please be patient — we’re learning and trying our best.

Cate Mauer

Laws Brook Road