SF Students Roll to School in Growing Mobility Push
SFMTA announces Bike & Roll to School Week for May 4-8 as participation grows 78%
SFMTA Sets Bike & Roll to School Week for May 4-8
San Francisco students can bike, scoot, skate, or roll to school during Bike & Roll to School Week, set for May 4-8, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency announced. The annual event encourages students to use bikes, scooters, skateboards, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices for their commute, though walking, transit, and carpooling also count. Last year, more than 5,000 students and adults from 55 schools participated in the week-long event.
Safe Routes Program Shows Strong Growth
The initiative builds on growing momentum for active transportation to schools across the city. SFMTA's newly released Safe Routes to School 2024-2025 annual report shows a 78% increase in participants and 35% more events compared to the previous year. During the 2024-2025 school year, more than 19,000 people participated in 209 Safe Routes events. For the first time since the pandemic, 51% of families chose one of the "Four Fun Ways" to get to school: walking, taking transit, biking, or carpooling.
Transit Remains Top Choice for Student Commutes
Taking transit remained the most popular option at 27% of all school commutes, according to the report. Among high schoolers, the numbers are even higher, with 55% of 9th graders using transit to commute to and from school. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and school staff can become Bike Champions by hosting events at their schools during the May 4-8 week. The agency didn't specify how many Bike Champions have signed up for this year's event or what specific activities schools are planning.
Art Contest Invites Student Creativity
SFMTA is also running an art contest with the theme "Mascots on Wheels," where students can submit artwork featuring their favorite mascot or animal biking or rolling in the city. Art submissions are due by May 15, 2026, with four winners receiving Flax Art Materials gift cards. Officials didn't announce the gift card amounts or how winners will be selected. The contest aims to engage students creatively while reinforcing active transportation themes.
Families Can Track School Commute Options
The week-long event offers families a chance to test alternatives to driving students to school, potentially reducing traffic congestion around campuses. Students participating in any form of active transportation or carpooling during the week contribute to their school's participation numbers. Moovit provides real-time transit schedules and trip planning for San Francisco families looking to incorporate Muni routes into their school commute routine.
