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Home » Blog » Webinar Recap: Field Notes — A Practical Discussion on How to Get Kids Biking in Schools

Webinar Recap: Field Notes — A Practical Discussion on How to Get Kids Biking in Schools

August 8, 2024/Jamil Modaffari

On July 23rd, the League of American Bicyclists hosted a webinar titled “Field Notes: A Practical Discussion on How to Get Kids Biking in Schools.” This insightful session brought together cycling education experts from Hawaii, Washington, Minnesota, and Alexandria, VA, to discuss the various policy levers, funding sources, and practical elements that support in-school cycling education for all students.

Key Highlights:

1. Diverse Approaches to Funding and Policy: Each panelist shared unique insights into how their respective regions have successfully implemented bike education programs. In Hawaii, for example, a combination of state and federal funding has been crucial in sustaining these programs. Washington State has benefited from dedicated legislation like the Move Ahead Washington bill, while the Bill Dooley Bicycle Safety Act bolsters Minnesota’s efforts. In Alexandria, VA, the Bicycling in the Schools (BITS) program showcases a district-wide commitment to cycling education.

2. Overcoming Challenges: Panelists discussed the challenges they faced, such as securing funding and gaining support from school administrations. They emphasized the importance of building strong partnerships with local governments, community organizations, and parents to overcome these hurdles.

3. Success Stories and Impact: Success stories from each state highlighted the positive impact of cycling education on students. In Washington, the program has not only taught students essential biking skills but also promoted physical activity and environmental awareness. Minnesota’s program has seen increased student engagement and improved safety for young cyclists. Alexandria’s BITS program has become a model for other districts looking to implement similar initiatives.

4. Practical Tips for Implementation: The webinar offered practical advice for those looking to start or expand school-based cycling education programs. Recommendations included starting small, leveraging existing resources, and advocating for supportive policies at the state and local levels.

Click here to read through the Q&A Highlights!
  • How did the statewide program get off the ground? Any tips for a big state like CA?
    • The curriculum program started with funding from our DOT. The bill that passed the ‘may’ to ‘must’ policy took many years of advocacy. The individual relationships with the transportation committees was key. — Angela Olson, Bike MN.
  • Stephen, can you talk about the bike education program you are all supporting in Seattle Public Schools like traffic gardens, All Kids Bike, and Outdoors for All.
    • Yes, our work in Seattle Public Schools is funded through Seattle Department of Transportation. Our Seattle Public Schools Department lead is an amazing force. — Stephen Rowley, Cascade Bicycle Club
  • How did BikeMN get this to be a statewide curriculum? Are all districts required to teach the curriculum?
    • Our curriculum is not required for schools – schools are just required to provide bike/ped education to students k-8. Our materials are available for free and we try to support schools who want to use our programming. — Angela Olson, Bike MN.
  • Are students provided with take-home information concerning bike/walk/transportation safety to share with parents? This would be a good way to keep parents up to date on laws related to biking and walking. #IntergenerationalLearning
    • We have a waiver that goes home to parents, and there’s additional information on that, plus links to more info online. We also collect an email address and add them to our newsletter email. — Travis Counsell, Hawaii Bicycling League
  • How do you get school districts to buy-in to bike education and hire staff to support it? I’ve helped our district win multiple Outride programs, but they don’t have enough staff to implement them.
    • Utilizing physical education and creating lessons that adhere to the benchmarks/standards has been hugely helpful for us, then no ‘extra’ staff are needed. Additionally, getting testimonials from other types of teachers about how biking/ped education impacts the rest of their classes for the better. — Angela Olson, Bike MN.

Conclusion:

The “Field Notes” webinar provided a wealth of information and inspiration for anyone interested in promoting cycling education in schools. By learning from the successes and challenges of these pioneering programs, other states, cities, and school districts can develop their own strategies to provide students with school-based cycling education.

Those who missed the live event can view the webinar recording below and access the presentation slides here.

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