Family Walk ‘n Roll program helps locals get more exercise during virus months

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- A new Family Walk 'n Roll program is rolling out this week to help families and individual riders see areas of the South Coast beyond the most popular routes.

Neighborhoods from Lompoc to Carpinteria have special chalk marks on the ground guiding riders. That's part of a route system that is also on a smart phone application riders can follow.

This route is for bike riders including others on skateboards, scooters, one-wheel vehicles and anything similar, other than a car.

The kick off coincides with Bike to School day, which is not happening since schools are not open in the traditional campus settings under the current restrictions.

Nancy Eckert with SB Bike says, "It's about biking, walking, scooters, skateboard however you want to roll and it's about however you want to move. It's just about being active and getting out there and enjoying sunshine and fresh air and lifting everyone's spirits." 

They are also urging riders to wear bright clothing, know their routes before taking off and being very aware of roads they will share with cars.

Drivers are also asked to slow down at a time when police have reported more speeding due to less traffic.

"People in cars should slow down. There are a lot of kids and families on the road and we don't need a death," Christine Bourgeois with SB Bike.

"The spacing involved in biking is also said to be a safe way of exercise.
It's very, very low. You are just enjoying and moving away," said Bourgeois.

"Riding is a great way to get some exercise during this COVID-19 period. One can still physically distance ourselves without social distancing," said Eckert.

It comes with a sense of discovery and adventure. "They would see and discover new things in their neighborhoods like landmarks and parks and maybe even go to different neighborhoods that they are not familiar with," said Eckert.

This plan is also expected to be a confidence builder for kids, who may ride to school in the fall and also adults who have not been on a bike in years.

"I am excited because this is kind of a renaissance of bicycling. I hope Santa Barbara becomes like France where I grew up," said Christine Bourgeois .

More details can be found at: SB Bike Family Walk 'n Roll

The event is taking place in coordination with Coast, SBCAG, and Traffic Solutions.