Wednesday is Bike to School Day!

Update: Due to a rainy forecast, Aldrin has cancelled its event and Terraset will holds its on Friday. If you have any news about your school, post in the comments.

Original Story:

Who is biking to school on Wednesday?

May 8 is National Bike to School Day, and there is a little competition going on between  Reston elementary schools to see who can get the most students to school on two wheels.

Thousands of kids across the country will ditch the bus and carpool for their bikes Wednesday in the second annual National Bike to School Day, a celebration that aims to create more excitement about using two wheels to get to school.

The national event is organized by the National Center for Safe Routes to School, which sponsors International Walk to School Day each October, and the League of American Bicyclists, which plans programming in May for Biking Month, including Bike to Work Day on May 17.

In its inaugural celebration last year, more than 700 events were planned in 49 states and Washington D.C.

In 2013, there are 1,337 events planned across the country. Virginia is again among the states with the most participation: 81 schools or groups across the state are planning organized bike rides. 

A grassroots coalition of Reston residents is working with the Reston Association Pedestrian & Bicycling Advisory Committee (PBAC) on a coordinated effort for Bike to School Day.

Although many of the schools in Reston have participated in Bike to School Day individually, this is the first time they have come together in a focused and collaborative manner, organizers say.

Rain in the forecast might affect some of the programming, so check with your school if biking is in the plans.

The organizers hope that this collaboration will help build more awareness and be the starting point for future rides and opportunities.  

One highlight of the event is a friendly competition between schools to see who can get the most bikes on their bike racks.  

The following schools are participating, if you would like to get involved contact cyclinginreston@gmail.com or contact the representative at your local school.

• • Aldrin ES -   Jennifer Johns
  • Armstrong ES -   Mike Collins
  • Dogwood ES - Amber Badgley
  • Forest Edge ES - David Saffford
  • Hughes MS - Amy Shaw
  • Hunters Woods ES - Aric Line
  • Lake Anne ES -  Blake Kohn
  • Sunrise Valley ES - Jim Curren & Steve Gurney
  • Terraset ES - Contact Annette Bobby

Happy biking! And don't forget to upload your Bike to School Day pictures on Patch on Wednesday.