Schools to Create Bike Safety Programs

Submitted by Simsbury Free Bike

Simsbury's Department of Physical Education is joining the Town of Simsbury in raising awareness of bicycle safety by educating young riders. The League of American Bicyclists has designated May as National Bike Month and Simsbury educators will participate by training staff members and creating safety programs for the schools.

Three Simsbury physical education teachers will attend a Bike Safety Train-the-Trainer program sponsored by Bike Walk Connecticut, the state's leading bike-pedestrian advocacy group. The daylong workshop will include a mix of classroom and on-bike training and will address bike safety issues for children including sizing bikes, fitting helmets, bike and motorist rules of the road, dressing for high visibility, managing risky behavior and etiquette on bike trails.

Amy Muska, Physical Education Department Head is enthusiastic about the program.

"Bike safety education is an investment in keeping our children safe while encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle," Muska said. The physical education teachers will use new bike safety education and skills learned at the workshop to create a program for fourth grade students.

In 2010, The League of American Bicyclists designated Simsbury as a bronze level Bike Friendly Community. Simsbury earned the designation by meeting League standards and by adopting best practices established by other communities. Simsbury is working toward earning a silver designation by improving the biking culture in town.

Bike Friendly initiatives are designed to encourage more cycling by building a well- connected and safe infrastructure for commuter and recreational use. Simsbury's Bike Safety Train-the -Trainer commitment is the foundation for a fourth grade bike safety program which is a critical component in building a safer environment.

For more information about Bike Friendly America and the value to communities visit their website. For local Simsbury bike news and
events "like" Simsbury Free Bike on Facebook at www.facebook.com/simsburyfreebike.