Five schools were chosen to host SRTS rallies. These rallies were designed to get students and faculty excited about biking and walking to school. The Injury Prevention Center at Arkansas Children’s Hospital was fortunate to work with hosting schools to sponsor events for more than 2,000 students across the state.

The student body at each location was involved in an educational simulation of an intersection with a crosswalk. The students acted out real life scenarios to practice crossing the street at several types of intersections. Volunteers of all ages participated in this fun-filled activity. All students were involved in performing bike hand signals, practicing safe street crossing, and recognizing traffic signs. Songs, dancing, and prizes were all part of the rallies at each of the schools. All students were given gift bags with biking and walking safety items for later use.

Rally locations for 2009 were: Weiner Elementary; Reed Elementary in Dumas; London Elementary; and Hurricane Creek Elementary in Benton. Mansfield Elementary will hold its rally in the Spring of 2010.

During each rally, approximately fifteen bike helmets were also given out to students in need. Our staff was proud to motivate and educate these children about walking and biking to school safely.