After Barista Kids broke the story of the Montclair mom who is fighting for her (and her son’s) right to bike to Hillside Elementary School, news got around to other parents and cycling enthusiasts and a “Bike-In” is scheduled for this morning at 9:00 am.
Jen Savitch, the bike fighting mom, says, “We are having a Bike-In this Monday so we can see how many supporters we have to identify how many bike racks will be needed for Hillside Elementary.”
Bike&Walk Montclair has joined in the effort and are hoping to provide bicycling education to Hillside School:
Bike&Walk Montclair has been in touch with Hillside’s principal who is deeply affected by the death of a student who was killed while cycling to school about 20 years ago. We have offered to bring a bicycle education assembly or ride workshop to the school and he seems to be warming up to the idea. We believe better bike safety education (and more cyclists cycling!) will do a lot more for making our streets safer for cycling than banning bikes.
Barista Kids has reached out to Mr. Chiles for comment, but has not received a response.
Laura Torchio, the President of Bike&Walk Montclair adds:
The advocate in me is shouting, “Hooray For Taking A Stand!”
Hey, Hillside parents reading this: Will you bike to school with your child on Monday?
Non Hillside Parents: Will you bike to school with your child on Monday in solidarity?
I will. See you out there!
My sons ride to the high school everyday. If I had known about this I would have biked to Hillside with my 5th grade daughter. More bikes on Montclair streets mean greater awareness of this mode of transport. Montclair Drivers are finally responding to pedestrian right-of-way laws. Perhaps we achieve the same respect for bicyclists.