Kate Haynes Elementary School in Wichita Falls enthusiastically celebrated Texas Bike & Walk to School Day on April 27, 2006. Participation was high with 89 of 232 students walking or biking to school that day. The students carried safety posters that they made and walked or rode in groups. An adult went over safety rules before the cyclists and walkers departed for the school. The students seem to enjoy the trip on the sunny, cool morning.

After the journey to school, the students arrived with rosy cheeks and were greeted with bananas, fresh muffins, peanut butter crackers and juice, generously provided by United Supermarkets’ Market Street and store manager Larry Martin, located at 4590 Kell Blvd in Wichita Falls. The nearby McDonald’s at 1605 Enterprise and owner Rick Boone donated apples with caramel dipping sauce for the students.

Each child entered a drawing for helmets, donated by Texoma Cycling Center, or bowling passes, donated by Village Bowl. Each child also received an A-Z bike safety work book and a Share the Road bookmark from Texas Bicycle Coalition.

The event was fun and festive. The Wichita Falls Times Record News newspaper quoted one child as saying “I think walking to school is good exercise for you.” Another child said he had fun and enjoyed the treats.

Many thanks to the 20 folks who volunteered to make the day a success, including students, parents, teachers, police, Texoma Cycling Center’s owner and mechanic and School Principal Mickey Galyean.