The sun had yet to rise but that didn’t stop a large crowd of Anna K. Davie Elementary students from lining up inside Banty Jones Park Friday morning in anticipation of an event that has become an annual event - the Anna K. Davie Bike Ride to School.
As a long line of students on bikes and scooters stretched from the gates of the park almost to the basketball court, one mom taking photos and filming the festivities kept repeating a phrase.
“I think we’ve got even more kids riding this year than last year. This is amazing.”
A few minutes before the ride started, Rome City School Superintendent Dr. Eric L. Holland walked around the park chatting with students, testing to make sure their helmets were on, and offered words of encouragement before gathering the group together and giving instructions. He then led them in a few, “Anna K. Davie is the place to be cheers,” before the group departed.
Before, during and after the ride it was often tough to tell who was having more fun, the throngs of students or the many adult volunteers. They all wore huge smiles through the roughly one mile ride to the school.
“This is awesome. It always takes me back to 40 years ago. We would ride our bikes to school. To see 75 kids just really enjoy pedaling and riding their bikes is amazing. Any time I see kids smiling and excited about doing something like this, it just makes my heart swell,” Dr. Holland said after finishing the ride with the students. “And the fact that you have Commissioner Brock out here and TRED helping the kids and making sure they ride safely and have helmets adds an additional component.”
Once the ride started several students were off quick making sure to stay behind the leaders but also tearing up the pavement with quick pedals.
“I love seeing these kids get out, and ride. This is our fourth year, and it's gotten bigger every year, so I think the kids really enjoy it,” Rome City Commissioner Harry Brock said. “You always hear kids stay behind screens all the time. I just love to see kids just out being kids enjoying themselves, getting exercise. It’s good for their mental health, and it’s good for their physical health. I love to see it.”
Some of the students blazed the course, making short work of it while a few others, some even with training wheels, took longer and sometimes even needed a slight pull or push. Several adults helped riders crest the final hill to the school.
The students parked their bikes and were greeted by Anna K. Davie Principal Brant Amerman who encouraged all of them and told them to swing by and get breakfast as they headed into the building. Like the riders, Amerman had a big smile on his face watching so many Anna K. Davie students participating.
“Every year we've had a larger group, so it was really exciting to see this big group of students riding their bikes to school. It's just a great way to get our spring break started and our students look forward to this event every year,” Amerman said. “The first year we did it, I didn't know what to expect. Every year since then, the group has been larger. There's been more participation from our school community. It's become one of our signature events at AKD.”
As the last wave of riders parked their bikes, Dr. Holland helped grab some backpacks and made sure the kids got into the school. He was wearing the same big smile so many of the participants had on their faces.
“This is just amazing. It always reminds me of why we do this work. When you can create a special moment for children, even if it's just riding a bike to school, it’s worth it” Dr. Holland said. “We helped make magic happen for 75 kids today. I'm absolutely excited to see this, and I love being a part of this every year.”