As San Francisco is gearing up for going back to school next week, we wanted to highlight the perspective of a student at Lincoln High School, Kevine,an incoming senior who has participated in the Safe Routes to School programs and is passionate about alternative transportation. 

Kevine is also a member of Lincoln’s Green Academy, a Career Technical Education program that helps students learn about green careers and practices that combat environmental issues. Though, greener transportation has been on her mind since early childhood. “Ever since I was in elementary school, I vividly remember the Safe Routes to School banner posted on the school’s main entrance, events pushing everyone to walk, bike, roll to school as a reminder to strive for these options rather than using a car. 

Taking public transportation has been one of the main ways the Green Academy gets around for their outings, “like the Potrero Division Trolleybus Yard, where we were able to take a deep inspection into the work done on Muni buses and the people that care for them. Also, visiting Cal Academy of Sciences, or even simply to the 16th Avenue Tile Steps would not have been possible if not for Muni buses, trains, and walking.”

Not only has embracing public transportation been personally beneficial to Kevine, but she also reflects on the way it affects the world around her.  “I always try my best to consider public transportation as an option wherever I explore next because it has enabled me the freedom to travel and experience the endless possibilities that San Francisco has to offer. Through the many lives of people I see on Muni every day, I realize just how public transport impacts the quality of life for the better and how these transportation options are some of the many ways we can fight climate injustices while building a community.”

As we’re entering a new school year, our team is excited to empower more students and families to make sustainable transportation choices when traveling to and from school, and everywhere in between! If you are interested in having a bike workshop or other Safe Routes to School activity at your school to get more people biking, walking or taking public transit, please reach out to Natti Tilahun at ntilahun@sfbike.org. 

To stay updated on events and programs throughout the school year sign up for the San Francisco Safe Routes Newsletter here!