Thanks to all who helped make Bike to School events a success

Thanks to The Bridge for publishing a very positive article about Acton’s Bike to School events this fall. Our events were more successful than ever — over 350 children from each primary school and CMS participated.

A special shoutout to our partners: the Acton Police Department (Inspector Ron Holsinger, School Resource Officer Samantha Simpson, and Thor and the officers who directed traffic and accompanied the children); the Free Public Library (Director Emily Smith, Dorrie Karlin, and Laura Mills); the school principals (Naomi Krakow, Justin Sparks, Justin Cameron, and Matt Lucey) and their teachers and staff; the Mothers Out Front team (Linda Nieman, Rebecca Woodward, and Kristin Tolfree); the PTGs and Green Team Volunteers (Shelly Karlin, Matt Alls, K.C. Camp, Alison Green, Carol Chow Carson, Serena Crosina, Jennifer Hoffman, Mandy Patrick, Janice Moritz, and Rachel Bandi); volunteers Jeff Collins and Eliza Spang; MassDOT SRTS Outreach Coordinator Deborah Kreithen; and, of course, the kids and parents whose enthusiasm make our SRTS events a success.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is a free program underwritten by the state and federal governments. Our schools’ participation in programs like Bike to School Days, Winter Walk Days, In-School Bike/Ped Safety Instruction, Bike Rodeos, and more make Acton eligible for grant funding from MassDOT. In fiscal year 2025, the Thoreau School was one of two schools statewide awarded a MassDOT Signs and Lines Grant. This year, town staff and the Alcott School applied for an S&L grant for safety improvements recommended by a SRTS “Walk Audit.” Each of these initiatives promotes walking, biking, and rolling to school as a safe and viable alternative to individual car trips — promoting Acton’s climate action goals. 

Let’s continue to make Acton safer and more welcoming of active transportation for our schoolchildren.

Phil Posner

Laws Brook Road
Bike to School Acton