Just as my parents generation was ahead of their parents on racial equality issues in the 60's, I think today's kids are ahead of their parents on environmental issues
More than a week ago, the carbon-conscious students offered to buy and install a bike rack at the school, but were baffled by the response. Principal James Riccobono declined the offer.
"Essentially what they told us was that they didn't want to promote biking as a way to get to school."
Offended by the snub, students promptly began planning a response. Yesterday, more than 50 students rode their bikes to school, commuting in pairs and groups. After studying up on state biking laws -- and carrying copies with them -- the students legally tethered their bikes in conspicuous clusters around lamp posts, trees and other poles dotting the circular drive in front of the school.
Students then delivered a letter to Riccobono's office protesting the decision over the bike rack. Dransfield, who noted Riccobono seemed "pretty mad" all day, said she was later summoned to the principal's office and given a letter. "I walked into the office and he was like, 'Here's your letter -- go.'"
The protest, it seemed, had not been persuasive. One line in the letter was printed in bold face:
"In as much as the district provides courtesy busing to students who live within walking distance of the high school, because of the danger on Garretson Road, it does (not) make sense, in my opinion, to promote the riding of bicycles to school," the letter read.
Environmental club member Alec Story noted the school spent a great deal of money to expand the senior parking lot to allow for spots for every senior. With the rising cost of fuel, to discourage students from a health-conscious, cost-free form of transport seems counterintuitive, Story said.
Story added he enjoyed his 10-minute ride yesterday morning so much, "I'm going to do it again tomorrow."
They do not have to promote biking to school... but they have to facilitate it.
Posted by: Jack | May 08, 2008 at 01:11 PM