As a mother living in the Echo Hill neighborhood in Amherst, located a mile away from Fort River School, I often encourage my fifth grader to ride her bike to school. It’s a great way to start her day — gets her ready to learn with fresh air and exercise and broadens her budding independence. I jumped at the chance to participate in the local Walk, Bike and Roll to School event held on Wednesday, Oct. 4 so I could encourage my neighbors to do the same. This event is part of Safe Routes to School, a federal program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to help make our communities walkable and bikable for kids, starting with our schools.
But the reality is that I don’t feel safe sending my fifth grader biking down Pelham Road or Belchertown Road to go to Fort River School. The sidewalks are too narrow, in poor repair, are too close to the road, and like today — often blocked by garbage cans. And, of course, the cars and trucks are zooming by very fast. Many parents will never let their children take this risk and I completely understand why as I send my kiddo off praying I haven’t prioritized mental health over physical safety.
The Walk, Bike and Roll to School event, successful as it was, demonstrated the need we have for better infrastructure, in particular at Fort River, which is the site of the new elementary school, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and wider walkways have got to be a priority. I urge our town councilors and our school leaders to do more in this area.
Heather Sheldon
Amherst
