Lake Pend Oreille School District Brings Family Biking Events to Sandpoint This May
LPOSD Safe Routes to School Program Lines Up Events Throughout May in Sandpoint, Idaho
SANDPOINT, Idaho — Families across Bonner County are invited to lace up their helmets and hit the pavement this May as the Lake Pend Oreille School District Safe Routes to School program rolls out a full calendar of biking events designed to promote youth safety, physical activity, and community connection throughout the month.
The series of events, organized by LPOSD Safe Routes to School coordinator Erin Billings, kicks off with Bike to School Day on May 6 — a nationwide initiative that encourages students and their families to ride to school together. The event aims to raise awareness about safe biking routes, reduce morning traffic congestion near school zones, and build healthy daily habits for children of all ages.
“These events are a great way to bring families together while helping kids build confidence and safety skills on their bikes,” Billings said. “We’re excited to see students and families riding together throughout the month.”
Weekly Bike Bus, Rodeos, and Free Helmets Highlight Month of Activities
Following Bike to School Day, Farmin Stidwell Elementary School will host its popular weekly “Bike Bus” every Friday through May 29. The structured group ride offers students a safe and enjoyable way to commute to school together. Led by teachers, participants gather at the Hickory Park Gazebo at 7:15 a.m. and travel designated neighborhood routes, picking up additional riders along the way. Maps and permission slips for the Bike Bus are available through the school.
Mid-month, families near the eastern end of the county can join a Bike Rodeo at Hope Elementary School on May 16, running from 10 a.m. to noon. The event coincides with the school’s Spring Fling celebration and invites youth participants to bring their bikes and helmets to practice safety skills in a fun outdoor setting. Free helmets will be available while supplies last, making the event accessible to families who may not yet have the proper gear.
The month of biking wraps up with the Sandpoint Bike Rodeo on May 29, held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Sandpoint Library, 1407 Cedar St. The free, family-friendly event requires no pre-registration, lowering the barrier for busy families to participate. Attendees can expect bike safety checks, minor on-site repairs, and hands-on skill-building activities geared toward younger riders. As with the Hope Elementary event, helmets will be provided to children in need while supplies last.
The Safe Routes to School program is a federally supported initiative designed to make it safer and easier for children to walk and bike to school. Locally, LPOSD’s involvement reflects a broader effort in Bonner County to invest in youth wellness and reduce dependence on vehicle traffic around school zones — a concern shared by parents and administrators alike in growing North Idaho communities.
May’s lineup also comes at a time when community organizations across Sandpoint are ramping up public engagement. The Pend d’Oreilles Waterkeeper and other local nonprofits have upcoming community events during Giving Week, and arts programming at the Pend Oreille Arts Council is also drawing families downtown this spring.
What Comes Next
Families interested in participating in any of the May biking events are encouraged to mark their calendars now, as some activities require permission slips or advance preparation. The Sandpoint Bike Rodeo on May 29 remains the most accessible entry point, requiring no pre-registration and offering free resources on-site. For additional information on any of the events, residents can contact Erin Billings at 208-263-2184, ext. 1124. Details on maps, permission forms, and schedules for the Farmin Stidwell Bike Bus are available directly through the school. With the full schedule running from May 6 through May 29, North Idaho families have multiple opportunities throughout the month to get outside, ride together, and build safer habits for years to come.