Klager Elementary to host community-wide Bike to School Day celebration

Previous year’s Klager Bike to School Day. Photo courtesy of Ann Arwin.

submitted by Ann Arwin, event organizer

Manchester families, students, and community members are invited to kick off the school day in an active and festive way at Klager Elementary’s Annual Bike to School Day on Wednesday, May 6.

Participants should gather at 7am at Chi-Bro Park for music, bubbles, and a brief welcome and thank-you speech from Klager Elementary Principal Widad Luqman. They will also be invited to join a short warm-up stretch to get energized for the ride. 

At 7:45am students will depart the park, traveling together by bike, scooter, or on foot along the eastern sidewalk of M-52 toward Klager Elementary. The group ride, expected to last about 15 minutes, will arrive at the school around 8am. Parents, siblings, and community members are encouraged to join in, either by participating in the ride or cheering along the route.

Local businesses will be on site at Chi-Bro Park offering refreshments and fun items for purchase. Sharon Valley Bike Shop will be providing free air and safety checks and offering 10% off accessories at their shop. Millie’s will be selling drip coffee, Lotus, pastries, and Millie’s Merch. The Manchester Market will offer coffee, pastries, and breakfast options. Bank Michigan will be passing out swag and water. And the Manchester District Library will be passing out goodies, too.

Safety is a key focus of the event. A Washtenaw County Sheriff’s deputy will assist as a crossing guard at Chi-Bro Park, and a patrol vehicle with flashing lights will be positioned near M-52 to help slow traffic. Children who wear helmets will be rewarded with coupons for a free scoop of ice cream.

Upon arrival at Klager Elementary, students will be greeted with a fire truck on display in the parking lot, and gift bags filled with fun items and giveaways.

The event will take place rain or shine, and participants are encouraged to bring a change of clothes if needed. Parking is available downtown, at the Klager Elementary lot, and along nearby streets including Cass, Auburn, and Lafayette.

Community members—especially seniors—are invited to bring chairs and line Ann Arbor Street to cheer on the parade with bubbles and noisemakers, helping create a lively atmosphere for the students.

For more information, visit saferoutesmichigan.org/bike-to-school-day or email Ann Arwin at aarwin@mcs.k12.mi.us.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.