San Francisco’s Bike & Roll to School Week broke records again this year. From April 17 to 21, an estimated 6,000 students, parents and school staff at 93 schools citywide enjoyed an extra-special morning commute.

Experienced biking families and first-time riders alike proved that biking is a convenient, efficient and fun way to get to school. Elementary school families traveled in “bike trains,” pre-schoolers rode child seats and family bikes, and high school students used their own pedal power to participate. Even more students joined the celebration on foot, on scooters, skateboards, strollers and public transit. The fun continues throughout the spring, with details for all SF family biking events on our calendar here.

Early morning rain did not dampen the spirits at Lafayette Elementary in the Outer Richmond. On Tuesday, April 18, SF Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Brian Wiedenmeier led biking families and teachers from misty Sutro Park to the school. The bike train grew along the way as more biking, scootering and walking classmates joined in.

District 1 Supervisor Sandra Lee Fewer and leaders of the Safe Routes to School partner organizations welcomed biking families into the schoolyard. Principal Heath Caceres led the congratulations to Lafayette school parents who make environmentally friendly, personally healthy transportation choices.

There’s one more big reason to bike to school: it helps children do better in class.

“I have two very active little boys. I started biking to school as soon as the oldest entered kindergarten,” says Lafayette parent Ellie Denise. “I figured his teacher would thank me! I’m a firm believer that children learn better when they get a little exercise first. Plus, they love it. It gets them out of the house in the morning.”

Fitting new helmets at North Beach/Chinatown Bike Fair.

For upcoming family biking opportunities, please visit our calendar of events.