National Bike to School Day coming May 6

The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department is encouraging students to walk or bike to school on May 6 in celebration of National Bike to School Day.

The health department said biking or walking to school has many benefits, among them: reduced risk of obesity, stronger bones, reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality.

“The research is pretty clear that kids who walk and bike to school are more active,” said Chris Tilden, the health department’s community health director. “They will be healthier and perform better in school.”

The health department, Lawrence school district and several other organizations have recently partnered to make school routes more accessible by foot and bicycle.