On Ruby Bridges Day, students around the nation honor the walk to school taken by a young girl during the civil rights movement. The walk can serve as a reminder of the perilous road and traffic conditions many students face on their route to school.
What does a walk to school look like in 2025?
Tens of thousands of students around the region rely on their parents to drive them to and from school because the sidewalks and roads are too dangerous for pedestrians. Long pickup and drop-off lines snake around neighborhoods and create even more dangerous conditions for families, placing more particulate matter in the air around homes and increasing traffic congestion within these communities.
Many roads in the region have sidewalks that are open to heavy amounts of traffic, if there are sidewalks at all.
A Modern Connection to Ruby’s Journey
When it comes to investments in creating safe neighborhoods, many neighborhoods are recognizing the importance of three major initiatives:
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- Improving Infrastructure: Adding sidewalks, crosswalks, and bike lanes to make routes safer.
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- Fostering Collaboration: Encouraging local governments, schools, and families to work together to identify and solve safety concerns.
- Educating Communities: Teaching students and families about pedestrian safety and the importance of active transportation.
Teachers, parents and administrators welcomed students on a rainy Thursday morning after they completed the 2024 Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day at Hope Hill Elementary in Atlanta.
How You Can Get Involved
On Ruby Bridges Day and beyond, consider these ways to advocate for Safe Routes to School and honor Ruby’s legacy:
- Organize a Walk to School Event: Celebrate the day by hosting a community walk that highlights safe walking paths and promotes awareness about student safety.
- Advocate for Safer Streets: Work with local officials to improve school-zone safety by adding crosswalks, lowering speed limits, or installing crossing guards.
- Raise Awareness: Share stories about Ruby Bridges and connect her legacy to today’s efforts to ensure every child has a safe way to get to school if they choose to walk or ride their bike.
- Get Students Involved: Encourage students to become ambassadors for safety and physical health! Empower them to share their experiences and suggest pedestrian-friendly improvements for their communities.
A Legacy of Courage and Connection
Ruby Bridges’ Walk to School Day reminds us that the path to change often begins with one courageous step, so encourage your school to be champions of health and safety all year round!