Lakewood, a small community with a population of 49,337, is always bustling. The sidewalks are filled with people walking their dogs, jogging, and riding their bikes. The vibrant atmosphere is one of the town’s standout features.
Lakewood does not use school buses, a reflection of its small size. As a result, students must find their own way to get to school each day.
There are several ways students get to school, from biking to driving. Lakewood’s compact size makes it easy for students to navigate the town without the need for a bus.
Clover Griggs, a student at Lakewood High School, often rides her bike to school. “Almost every morning I ride my bike,” Griggs says. “It makes me feel accomplished and independent.”
Griggs believes biking gives her a sense of freedom. “I feel like I’m in charge of when I get to school,” she says. Other students, like Enid Liou, are driven to school each morning.
Lakewood is just 6.69 square miles, making it nearly impossible not to see people strolling along the sidewalks. With countless small businesses, shops, and hangout spots, students get a unique experience on their way to school—an experience they might miss if they were on a school bus.
Lakewood offers many opportunities for students outside of school. A school bus would limit their access to the community after school. After school, Liou enjoys visiting local shops and bakeries. “I like exploring the small businesses around Lakewood,” Liou says.
A school bus system isn’t necessary, according to Liou. “I don’t see a need for school buses because of Lakewood’s small size,” she says. “It might get chaotic.” The town’s size, along with its number of schools, is another factor. With one high school, two middle schools, and seven elementary schools, adding buses to the mix would create too much traffic around the town each morning and afternoon.
“Buses would be chaotic,” Griggs says, adding that students can easily find other ways to travel. “It’s very walkable,” she says.
Lakewood’s small size offers other benefits. The town is compact, making it easy for residents to get to know their neighbors. “The community is very close-knit,” Liou says. “It’s a great place to live.”
Lakewood is also known for its biking culture. According to the 2008 American Community Survey, the town ranks No. 1 in Ohio for the highest percentage of residents who bike, among cities with populations under 100,000.
The town’s relatively flat roads, dense population, and short distances between schools, parks, and stores make it ideal for biking instead of driving.
At Lakewood High, students feel a strong sense of community. “I love the sense of belonging here,” Griggs says.
Lakewood’s diverse population also adds to its appeal. “It’s very diverse, and there are all kinds of people here,” Liou says. “You can meet a lot of different people.”
Lakewood is a safe, welcoming community. “It’s a close and connected community,” Liou says, reassuring parents who might worry about students walking or biking to school.
While some may think that the lack of school buses makes getting to school harder, it’s actually the opposite. The compact size and walkability of Lakewood make it easier and less chaotic for students to find alternative transportation.
The tight community is a wonderful place for students to reside in. Everyone is close and connected, it’s a wonderful place to live.
