Students at Golfview Elementary School had an extraordinary day earlier this month as Florida Department of Transportation representatives stopped by.
Golfview, along with several other Central Florida schools, had partnered with FDOT in the fall of 2023 as an event included in Mobility Week. Students were asked to come up with unique and creative designs, of which three were chosen to be painted along the bicycle path in front of their school.
I love to take my bike to explore different trails, so bicycle safety is super important to me,” said Angela Holland, Golfview’s art teacher. “It was a great opportunity for me as an art teacher to demonstrate authentically how art influences society and how governments use artists and their skills to influence society.”
The Golfview students whose designs were chosen were second grader Carla Acosta Lanthripp, fifth grader Lucie Martin, and third grader Jay’Ceon Cannon.
The unveiling of the designs was part of May’s National Bike Month.
Before handing out certificates for the students’ accomplishments, Passenger Operations Manager for FDOT District Five Libertad Acosta-Anderson gave a presentation on pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Students were reminded when walking or bicycling to school the type of precautions they should take. Much to the students’ surprise, goody bags with safety gear were later distributed.
“This started with the idea that we could join with our partners on promoting different modes of transportation and safety,” Acosta-Anderson said. “Part of what District 5 has done to be able to engage with children and teach them about safety is to do these kinds of contests.”
The three students were delighted to see their artwork recreated on the bicycle lane in front of Golfview, and according to FDOT, the artwork should last for five years.
