Volunteer Luncheon

New Pathway to Benefit Venetia Valley Students

The pathway will link Rafael Meadows and other neighborhoods west of US Highway 101 with existing multi-use paths on the east side. Currently, to reach the school, active travelers must go along busy Merrydale Road and North San Pedro Road, both of which have fast moving vehicles, long crossings, and highway ramps.

The project was initially identified through an inclusive planning process involving Safe Routes to Schools, students, parents, and staff from the K-8 School. The site where the pathway will be built is owned by several different groups, making coordination challenging. Consensus was reached for the good of the community, thanks in part to a walk audit held by Safe Routes to Schools that brought together community members, City staff, SMART, and Caltrans.

Safe Routes Salutes “Retiring” Volunteer and Family Liaison

There would not be a Safe Routes to Schools program without dedicated parent volunteers and family liaisons. As the 2023-24 school year comes to an end, the organization would like to recognize their work. Through their commitment and effort, more students are getting to school safely and actively. Although these parents and school staff are “retiring” from their role, their influence will continue to be felt. Safe Routes salutes and thanks the following:

VIRGINIA MENZEL – Loma Verde Elementary

After dedicating 23 years to Novato schools, community liaison Virginia Menzel is retiring from the district. Throughout her time at Loma Verde Elementary, she played a pivotal role in sustaining the program, especially during the past three years. During this period, she actively participated in parent volunteer and family liaison meetings, co-hosted welcome tables, and publicized various events and contests.

BRIA LARSON – Park Elementary

For the past two years, Bria Larson managed a robust Safe Routes program at Park School in Mill Valley. “Walk and Roll Wednesdays were a veritable party at Park School. We had it all…music, smiles, and so many pencils and erasers! I loved getting to know kids from all grades, and even had some student helpers greeting their classmates each month,” Larson said. “The sense of community and fun was infectious.”

Six Perfect Roll Models

Many teachers and school administrators in Marin County use their bikes (or skateboard!) for transportation. Most do it rain or shine, traveling distances as long as Petaluma-San Rafael. Regardless how short or long their commute, these educators exemplify a healthy life style and care for the planet, not only for their students but also for the community at large. They are the perfect roll models. Here are just six of them.

MATT POPE: Venetia Valley School (San Rafael)
Matt Pope is the ultimate “green” commuter. Everyday, he rides SMART from his home in Petaluma to downtown San Rafael. Then, he bikes to Venetia Valley School, where he teaches. Sometimes, Mr. Pope gets off in Novato and rides all the way back to Petaluma. “I never realized how much mental stress comes with driving and waiting in traffic. Now, I arrive at school at least an hour before the bell which gives me time to ground myself, breathe and prepare for each day,” he said.

MIKE RUNYEON: Rancho Elementary (Novato)
“Even in the rain, I still ride. Of course, I make sure to dress accordingly. There is no bad weather, just bad equipment,” says Mike Runyeon, a PE teacher at Rancho Elementary, referring to his endurance during the rainy season. He normally rides SMART from Petaluma to a Novato station and from there, rides his bike to school.

DAVID SNAITH: San Rafael High School (San Rafael)
David Snaith, a math teacher at San Rafael High School, commutes 12 miles two or three days a week. “Seeing people out and about, whether they are walking, riding, or gardening in their front yard is wonderful. That creates a sense of community I never get while in my car,” he said.

JAMES SIEVERT, Bel Aire Elementary (Tiburon)
His love of cycling and children led James Sievert, a teacher by training, to serve as lead instructor with Safe Routes to Schools for ten years. Now, as a PE teacher, Mr. Sievert rides to class from his home in Mill Valley every day, rain or shine, and also does crossing guard duty at his school. He says that, “It is great to help our students who are walking, biking or using remote drop off to get home from school.”

BRANDON DEMONT: Miller Creek Middle School (San Rafael)
Brandon DeMont teaches 7th and 8th grade science. Every day, he commutes about six miles from Fairfax, over a steep hill in Sleepy Hollow and down to Terra Linda, where the school is located. For him, riding his bike is far faster and more rewarding than driving a car. “Riding my bike gives me a chance to get exercise and feel ready for a full day of teaching,” he says. “When I ride home after a busy day I process the events of the day and reflect before joining my wife and two-year-old daughter at home.”

JIMMY LOPEZ: Laurel Dell Elementary (San Rafael)
Laurel Dell students are getting used to seeing their new Principal Jimmy Lopez going around school in his very ‘cool’ skateboard. While it’s not possible for Mr. Lopez to commute on his skateboard because he lives in the East Bay, he doesn’t miss the opportunity to show the children not only his skills but also the benefits of rolling to school. “I have loved skateboarding since I was a kid,” he says.

Instructional Video on Biking and Walking Groups Live on SR2S Website

A brand-new video about how to create a bike train and a walking school bus is now available for all interested on the Safe Routes to Schools website. 

“Bike trains” and “walking school buses” are groups of students who bike or walk together to school under parental supervision. Traveling as a group increases visibility to cars and therefore makes biking or walking safer. It encourages fun and friendship and it often incorporates cooperation among parents so that some can take the lead while others stay home or go to work. 

The instructional material was put together with the cooperation of seasoned parent volunteers who have been doing it for a long time. During a recorded webinar in April, the volunteers shared their experience and tips on how to succeed at encouraging young riders and their families to join their groups. The webinar is full of useful tips on how to organize a route, how to encourage your child to bike or walk every day, how to communicate and cooperate with other parents in supervising.

Safe Routes to Schools is currently intent on increasing the number of groups traveling together to school all over Marin County in the near future. “The walking school bus was transformative for our family because it created an opportunity to spend uninterrupted time without cell phones,” said Juliet Starrett, a parent at Vallecito elementary who started a walking school bus. “And, our kids showed up ready for school.” 

Parents who actively commute with their children say it is a precious time to connect with each other and to enjoy some natural sights and sounds along the route.