Students at Durango High School are taking steps — and spinning wheels — toward a greener future during Bike to School Week, held Oct. 5-9.
Organized annually by the Durango High School (DHS) Green Team, the event encourages students to swap single-occupancy vehicle rides for bicycles, walking, or other forms of sustainable transportation. With support from DHS Green Team Advisor and English Teacher Alan Szech, the student-led effort aims to encourage and reward eco-conscious habits before winter weather sets in.
“We try to always make it early because it does get really cold, and obviously it's a lot harder to get people out biking," said Jack Purcell, DHS senior and Green Team Vice President, who added that they coordinate the timing with the City of Durango’s fall Walk and Roll to School Day, which was held Oct. 7 this year.
The Durango High School Green Team poses in front of one of DHS' bike racks on Oct. 8, during Bike to School Week. Held this year on Oct. 5-9, the student-led initiative rewards eco-friendly commutes with raffle prizes donated by local businesses.
To track participation and measure impact, the Green Team developed a streamlined digital system. Throughout the week, students who walk, bike, or roll to school scan a QR code when they arrive each day, then fill out a Google Form detailing their commute distance and mode of travel. Each time they complete the form, they’re entered into a daily raffle for prizes donated by local businesses, including Mountain Bike Specialists and Durango Cyclery.
“We’re so grateful for the donations from local businesses,” Purcell said. “They donate a ton of prizes, so there’s a good chance a student will win a prize over one of the five days if they walk or bike to school.”
While the event coordinates with citywide initiatives for sustainable transportation, student organizers see the week as part of a larger, long-term mission.
"I think it's important that we start promoting sustainability early, because I know this generation is starting to have a bit more of a role in society," said Skylar Carr, a freshman Green Team member. "If we start to learn more about how we can help the environment, then it helps us make a bigger impact in the future — especially through small things like this."
For the Green Team, the ultimate goal extends far beyond a single week on the calendar.
"We don't want to limit it to one week,” Purcell said. “We want it to become a habit."
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