Westfield High School has received a $10,000 grant from Sustainable Jersey for Schools to install a “Student Bike Oasis,” a weather-protected shelter to promote bicycle safety and eco-friendly commuting to and from the high school.
K-12 Science Supervisor Tom Paterson spearheaded the initiative, with the idea based upon two similar “bike oases” installed previously in Westfield. Paterson, along with WHS principal Mary Asfendis and Westfield Education Association (WEA) Vice President Gail Alston, traveled to The College of New Jersey on March 21 to accept the grant, funded by the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), during an awards ceremony.
“Equipped with covered bike racks, a maintenance station, and seating, the Student Bike Oasis encourages biking as a sustainable travel choice, while enhancing safety and community engagement,” says Paterson. “Native plants will further contribute to local biodiversity, making the oasis a multifaceted sustainability hub.”
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a certification program for public schools in New Jersey, launched to support and reward municipalities and schools as they pursue sustainability programs. To date, according to the Sustainable Jersey organization, 1880 schools are participating in the program.
“The Student Bike Oasis directly supports the 'School Travel Plan for Walking and Biking' and 'Safe Routes to School District Policy' action items in the Sustainable Jersey for Schools certification program,” says Superintendent Dr. Raymond González. “Thank you to Mr. Paterson for his work in submitting a comprehensive grant application. We are thrilled to be awarded this generous grant and look forward to making the bike oasis a reality.”