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Post-Covid Joy

Have you felt it? That overwhelming and somewhat unexpected feeling of fullness, happiness and joy upon finally returning to an activity, place or feeling you have not had since before Covid? The first time you sat down at a restaurant *indoors*! The first time you sat *in the same room* with family members and friends not seen since pre-Covid. The first time you returned to the gym or joined friends on a group ride.

Pandemic restrictions have certainly altered our lifestyles. Now that some restrictions are finally being lifted, people are beginning to experience real excitement at returning to activities once taken for granted.

We are happy to report that Bike-Walk Alliance’s most popular program, the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, is also currently experiencing post-Covid joy. After a 2-year hiatus, due to schools being overwhelmed with pandemic restrictions, we are now cautiously and happily seeing a return to participation in some things we love and have dearly missed.

As coordinator of BWANH’s Safe Routes to School program, and as a safety instructor myself, I’m seeing, hearing and feeling this post-Covid joy firsthand as we return to a full schedule of safety presentations in schools throughout New Hampshire. The kids, as well as the educators we work with (school nurses, teachers and principals), are *thrilled* they are once again able to participate in this program. Just last week, one school nurse whispered as she led me to the gymnasium full of third graders, “The kids are so excited!” Indeed they were. Little bodies that could barely keep still as I wheeled my bike to the front of the auditorium.

During the month of April alone, we educated over 400 kids on biking and walking safety. We currently have over 1,000 kids (schools) scheduled for May & June, with lots more in the works.

Likewise, there has been enthusiastic response to our free youth helmet program. We’ve ordered more helmets than ever before, and they are going like hotcakes to kids who need them.

If this intense rate of activity keeps up, our typical numbers and participation in this program will be well-exceeded.

Kids just want to get out there and ride their bikes. Let the post-Covid joy continue!

Here are some fun pics of this year’s sessions so far: