Safe Routes to School instructors typically teach during school hours, leading classroom presentations and our popular Bike Rodeos, where students have fun practicing their skills on the bike.
But we don’t stop when the bell rings! SRTS was invited to a recent evening meeting of Cub Scout Pack 134 at Schaefer Elementary School in Santa Rosa to help a group of scouts who are earning their bicycling merit badges. We brought three types of bikes: road, mountain and a tricked-out Taco Tuesday cruiser. The kids jumped in right away trying out the different styles, and some even brought their own bikes and helmets.
After the Pledge of Allegiance and troop business, the group gathered around for the bike safety presentation. The scouts learned about helmet fitting, how to make sure their bikes are safe to ride, tips for riding safely on the street, how to lock their bikes and how to be more visible to cars. Many were eager to share stories about their own experience on a bicycle, and questions were answered by fellow scouts as well as the SRTS instructors.
In addition to bikes and helmets, we brought an assortment of tubes, pumps, reflectors, lubrication, rags, tools and other equipment for a hands-on experience.
The session for Pack 134 is just one example of Safe Routes education outside of school hours. We’ve conducted summer bike camps, group rides with Chops Teen Club and middle school bike clubs to name a few. Look for us in a neighborhood near you!
–Cindy O’Grady, Safe Routes to School Educator