Davis Aerospace Academy in Detroit is combating student absenteeism by giving students bikes to solve transportation issues, which are a major barrier for many students who don’t have access to cars or school bus service. The school partnered with the Say Detroit organization to provide 100 bikes, helmets, and locks, as transportation is a significant reason for students missing school. This initiative is seen as a way to improve attendance by providing a reliable and accessible mode of transportation for students during warmer months.
Addressing transportation barriers: The program addresses the lack of reliable transportation for many students, as the Detroit school district does not provide high school bus service and a third of city residents do not own cars.
Providing a reliable alternative: Bikes are seen as a solution to improve access to school, as they can be more reliable and take less time than other options for some students, with one student noting their bike commute was much shorter than their bus commute.
Partnership and funding: The program was made possible through a partnership with Say Detroit’s My Cycle program, which provided 100 new bikes. The school also raised funds for helmets and locks.
Broader benefits: Providing bikes can also boost students’ self-esteem and confidence, and some national studies have shown that school biking programs can lead to lower absenteeism rates.
