If you missed Escuela Key (Key School)’s Fall Fiesta last week, you’re not going to like this blog post, because it was fantastic!

Hundreds of happy kids were there dancing to music, bouncing on trampolines, eating plates of food from an exceptionally international spread, and riding in the school’s second annual Bike Rodeo.

The Bike Rodeo was organized by Melissa Dalio, a bicyclist and exercise physiologist who specializes metabolic testing. She’s a mother of six, the youngest of which, Eleanor, is a second grader at Key. Melissa’s rodeo was an obstacle course on a parking lot designed to let kids have fun as well as to challenge them to learn new skills on two wheels. She also incorporated safety elements such as a crosswalk–complete with little chalk pedestrians–to practice stopping and yielding.

Melissa reckons that parents were surprised to see how much their kids liked riding bikes. Some of the kids, she said, started off a bit wobbly, but were riding comfortable within an hour. Melissa is a supporter of universal bike education in schools, and says that “we become what we surround ourselves with.” In that spirit she would like to see her community become more healthy and fit-minded while encouraging kids to get out and pursue fitness by biking. Reminding kids to be Predictable, Alert, and Lawful, teaches them valuable lessons that they will carry on into adulthood and help keep the streets safe.

Remember, whether you’re walking, biking, or driving, it’s easy to #BEaPAL

Future PAL Volunteer Opportunities

If you want to celebrate Halloween, and encourage people to be Predictable, Alert and Lawful, join the Arlington PALs on the 10/29 at the corner of Jackson Street,and Wilson Blvd from 4-6 PM.  Visit the PAL Facebook page for more information!