Old Greenwich School was recently recognized with the 2026 Vision Zero Connecticut Program of Distinction award from the Connecticut Dept of Transportation and the Vision Zero Council for making active transportation safer, more accessible, and more sustainable for their school.
The Vision Zero Council is an interagency work group tasked with developing statewide policy to eliminate transportation-related fatalities and severe injuries involving pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and passengers. The Council was established in 2021 by the Connecticut General Assembly as part of Public Act 21-28, a landmark transportation safety bill.
Back in volume 7, issue 14 of this very publication, we told you about Old School School’s program called GEAR UP OGS, which encourages kids to: Get moving, Embrace growth, Advance skills, and Ride smart. The training is based on the League of American Bicyclists curriculum and is led by Bob DeAngelo. Last school year, the sessions took place in physical education classes and included interactive dialogue and hands-on training and practice.
The district congratulated Old Greenwich School Principal Dr. Jennifer Bencivengo, Old Greenwich School PTA, Health & Wellness Chair Jenny Tooter, and Mr. DeAngelo for all of their amazing work to increase the safety of student bikers and walkers, while promoting independence, community, and accountability for safety.
(l to r): Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Active Transportation Unit, Bureau of Planning, Technology, and Innovation, Connecticut Dept of Transportation Bridget Moriarty; League Cycling Instructor with League of American Bicyclist and GEAR UP OGS bike instructor Bob DeAngelo; Old Greenwich School PTA, Health & Wellness Chair Jenny Tooter; Principal Dr. Jennifer Bencivengo; and Commissioner, CT Department of Transportation Garrett Eucalitto. Photo courtesy Greenwich Public Schools
Photo courtesy Greenwich Public Schools