Nearly 1 in 3 participate

The parking lot was sparse, but the bike racks were overflowing at Bethany on Wednesday, May 18, as nearly one-third (31%) of the student body participated in the fifth annual Bike (or Walk) to School Day. The event was sponsored by the school's Ecology Club and Lincoln Avenue Cycling and Fitness Center in Goshen in recognition of National Bike month and Bike to Work week. "The purpose is to promote personal health and care for the environment," says Amy Thut, club sponsor and Environmental Science teacher.

The total participation rate this year of 85 students and faculty surpassed last year's mark. Participants combined to ride 257 miles one way. Students biking 9-10 miles included Martin Gerig (grade 7), Ben Hochstetler (grade 11), Hanna Hochstetler (grade 9), Andrew Snyder (grade 10), and Kyle Snyder (grade 7). The seventh grade class had the highest participation rate with 50 percent biking!

Junior Ben Hochstetler (center) finishes his 10 mile ride with PE teacher Krysten Parson and junior Austin Mumaw.