From our Fall 2009 Newsletter:

In late August while you were stocking up on notebooks and pencils, we at Safer Routes to Schools were dusting off and tuning up our fleet of 200 bicycles. Starting this past September 14th, our staff has been out in elementary schools across the city teaching 4th and 5th graders how to safely navigate their neighborhoods
by bicycle.

Last year we provided bike safety in 25 elementary schools, this upcoming school year we hope to be in 40!

Bike Safety Education provides 10 hours of hands-on instruction time. Students use our fleet bikes to practice right of way, navigating intersections, and the rules of the road. Students also learn helmet fitting and how to determine whether a bicycle is safe to ride or not.

The program is a great way to get students some healthy exercise and to show them around their neighborhood. Most participants agree that their favorite part of the program is the last day, when the class goes out as a group on a longer community ride.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

To join the fun by volunteering with a Bicycle Safety Education class, please contact Tom Rousculp at tom@bta4bikes.org or 503-226-0676 Ext. 20.