SALISBURY – Salisbury Elementary School students can dust off their roller skates and grab their bikes, because the popular Walk, Bike or Roll to School day is returning on Oct. 8.
The day is part of the “Safe Routes to School” program and gives students a chance to commute to school on bikes, rollers skates, skateboards, scooters or simply by walking.
Organized by Salisbury Parks and Recreation, the event aims to build community relationships, according to Jenn Roketenetz, Parks and Recreation Administrator Jenn Roketenetz.
“Events like these matter because they strengthen community connections, highlight the strong partnership between families, schools, and local public safety, and celebrate the simple joy of being active together. Salisbury joins communities across the country in celebrating National Walk & Roll to School Day, helping build healthy habits and highlight the importance of safe, connected routes for all students,” she said.
Those participating will meet at Lions Park at 7:30 a.m. that morning and set off around 8 a.m. through the Salisbury Rail Trail before ending up at SES.
SES Principal Michael Astuccio said the gathering garners a large number of attendees who enjoy joining in the fun of the biannual event.
“Each time we’ve done it there’s been a lot of participation and it really is such a nice morning,” he said.
Astuccuio also said students are not the only ones eager to participate in the trip.
“The families and students really seem to love it. Even we have some staff that join in on the fun and ride their bikes down,” he said.
Students will also be supported by members of the Salisbury Police and Fire Department during their journey to school.
Salisbury Police Department Chief Tom Fowler said the event gives his officers the chance to engage with young members of the community in a fun, low-stakes way.
“They’ve been doing it for a few years, and it’s a great event for us to interact with young people in a positive manner,” Fowler said.
Astuccio said the school is grateful to all those helping make the Oct. 8 event a reality.
“We’re fortunate Salisbury Parks and Recreation and the Youth Empowerment Commission is there to support. And, then the Salisbury Police Department is there to escort us down the rail trail and take any backpacks or any instruments that are coming to school that day in the back of their vehicle,” he said.