Pioneer Elementary School celebrated the culmination of its “Ride Your Bike to Cool the Planet” program with a bicycle giveaway during a school-wide assembly last week.

Pioneer students have cycled and walked to school since the event kickoff on Oct. 1. The program educated students on the importance of using alternative modes of transportation to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, It also promoted safety precautions to adopt when cycling, such as wearing a helmet and reflective clothing, and using appropriate hand signals for turning.

For the culminating celebration last Wednesday, students wrote essays that explained how they can contribute to the health of their planet, their families and/or themselves. Bicycles were awarded to at least 12 essay winners.

Auburn Kiwanis Club of the Valley, Valley Regional Fire Authority, REI and the Bicycle Alliance of Washington sponsored the program.