A Buffalo school recently began enforcing a policy that bans bicycles after a bike that was locked to the school fence was stolen. According to school policy bikes cannot be locked to the gates or anywhere else on school property or else they will be taken to City Hall. However, the school did not have adequate bicycle parking available to students and staff who chose to ride their bikes to school.
In October 2008 the city was awarded $550,000 for a Safe Routes to School Grant, which focuses on improving traffic safety, increasing physical activity, promoting healthy lifestyles and protecting the environment in Buffalo’s Public Schools. Infrastructure is supposed to be created around schools that promote walking and biking. According to the Buffalo School District’s transportation policy bikes cannot be stored on school property; however, according to the Safe Routes to School Grant, biking and walking should be encouraged.
According to Senator Antoine Thompson, it is important that school communities are provided with curbs and sidewalks to keep children safe and promote exercise through walking and biking. With the added funding, it gives Buffalo the opportunity to increase safety awareness among both students and parents. This program will lift some of the concerns that parents have of their child’s trip to and from school.
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