As the Rochester City School District grapples with transportation problems for the start of the school year this week, due to a lack of bus drivers, one local organization hopes that bicycles can fill part of the void.
Theresa Bowick, Executive Director of Conkey Cruisers, said the organization is hosting a ‘BIKE-IT-OUT’ for RCSD students in grades 5-8 facing transportation problems.
The grassroots group has 200 new bikes for students.
Bowick hopes this can help with the lack of bus transportation to start the school year.
“Our district is in a crisis, and instead of sitting around pointing fingers and complaining, let’s come up with a solution.”
Bowick also would like to see parents help their kids if they are using bikes to get to school.
“So don’t just put your kid on a bike and say ‘go to school’ but we want parents to pick up a bike and ride with your kids. So they can learn the bicycle law so they can learn how to use the bicycle lane,” Bowick said.
The BIKE-IT-OUT distribution will provide free bikes on a first-come, first-serve basis, on Tuesday, September 7 from Noon to 5:00 p.m.
It takes place at Conkey Corner Park, 92 Conkey Avenue. Students must show RCSD student identification and be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
