Reston vs Vienna challenge gets over 3,200 kids walking and riding to school

This summer eight Vienna schools challenged eight Reston schools to see which community could get the most walkers/riders on International Walk to School Day, which was held on Oct. 9th.

Although Vienna ended up beating Reston by a slim margin of only 63 students, the real victory was that over 3,200 students and hundreds of parents and teachers enjoyed a fun, healthy alternative form of transportation.  These efforts resulted in over 31% of the students walking or biking to school between the two communities.

Each of the schools coordinated their efforts with a small group of parent volunteers, faculty and students.  Several schools benefitted from Bike and Walk to School goodies supplied by Clif Bar in support of the Safe Routes to School Initiative. Several schools gained support of the local retailers and restaurants and some offered students safety items or “charms” for their participation.

Many schools are building on the momentum of the great day; Lake Anne Elementary is adopting this as a monthly event: First Fridays Bike-Walk to School. On the first Friday of each month, students will bike or walk to school.

So mark your calendars for May 7, 2014, which is Bike to School Day.  There will definitely be another Reston vs. Vienna Challenge and there will definitely be thousands of kids who will be “winners” regardless which community has the most bikers and walkers!

Vienna vs. Reston Challenge

Reston

• Aldrin (157) 22%
• Armstrong (143) 28%
•  Dogwood (261) 32%
• Forest Edge (383) 48%
• Hunters Woods (50) 4%
• Lake Anne (250) 38%
• Sunrise Valley (154) 25%
• Terraset (216) 42%

Total Reston (1614 )28%

Vienna

•  Cunningham Park (211) 44%
•  Flint Hill (95) 14%
•  Freedom Hill (132) 21%
•  Louise Archer (221) 27%
•  Marshall Road (234) 35%
•  Vienna (249) 68%
•  Westbriar (276) 50%
•  Wolftrap 259 46%

Total Vienna (1677) 35%

Combined Total (3,291)  31%