Shady Grove fifth grader tells Henrico school board intersection is unsafe, calls for equal bike access

Evaine, a fifth grader at Shady Grove Elementary, told the Henrico County School Board on Aug. 28 that an intersection near her school is unsafe and that students who live on one side are allowed to walk or ride bikes to school while others are not. "It feels like we are invisible," she said, urging the board to act so all students can travel to school safely and equally.

Evaine said she and her family sought help from the school and from a county supervisor’s meeting, where a police executive reportedly described an expanded bike program. She told the board that what began as a program intended for streets without bus service now appears to have expanded in ways that favor families with influence, leaving some students without independent walking or biking options. "When we ask the school to make the intersection safe, we are told that nothing can be done," she said, and added that the lack of explanation and assistance has been upsetting to peers and makes learning harder.

The student addressed her remarks to Mr. Eyring by name in the meeting transcript but did not offer a formal policy proposal; instead she said she wants officials to ensure safety and fairness in student transportation and access to bike programs. The board’s public forum rules were read earlier in the meeting, and staff indicated in the session that a Henrico staff member will follow up with speakers after the forum. The board did not take action during the meeting.

Background: The board’s public forum allows three minutes per speaker; written comments submitted in advance are shared with board members and posted publicly. The transcript shows the student’s account of both an on‑site safety concern and a perceived disparity in program boundaries. The student requested that the board and school leaders investigate and correct the situation so children on all streets can access safe routes to school.