The BTA teaches courses in 4th-7th grade classrooms, meeting numerous curriculum benchmarks mandated by the state of Oregon.

The Bicycle Safety Education Program brings resources into schools, including a trained instructor, a fleet of 30 bikes, helmets, brochures and pamphlets, safety vests, videos, and other equipment. The BTA also trains instructors, coordinates program logistics, and assists with fundraising and volunteer coordination.

Our ten-hour curriculum is split into four hours of in-class and six hours of on-the-bike instruction.

Classroom lessons include:

• First Gear: An introduction to Bicycle Safety (instructional video)
• rules of the road
• helmet fitting
• flat tire repair
• bike equipment
• bike safety check

On-bike lessons include:

• bike handling skills
• hazard avoidance
• right-of-way
• lane positioning
• intersection practice
• one or two community rides

In addition to teaching safety, the program increases youth bicycle ridership. The BTA works with schools to improve their on-site bicycle facilities (including bike racks) and to promote cycling at the school. Teachers and administrators are introduced to ways to make the school environment more bicycle friendly.

Volunteer for the Bicycle Safety Education Program

Volunteer participation is key to the success of the bicycle safety education program. Help us reach out to children in your community by sharing your bicycle knowledge and enthusiasm! We offer trainings and volunteer orientation materials to get you up to speed.

Join us as a:

• Bicycle mechanic – help repair, tune-up and adjust our fleet.
• Ride leader - work closely with BTA staff to guide small groups of students on community rides on the streets around their schools.  Volunteer shifts are two or three hours, either in the morning or the afternoon during the school day.  We need 3 or 4 volunteers per shift - so bring a friend! Download a primer of our orientation and training materials here.

Together we can teach children to ride safely and independently!

To volunteer in the Portland metro area contact Volunteer Coordinator Scott Lieuallen at (503) 226-0676 x22.

To volunteer in other Oregon communities, contact the local Bicycle Safety Education Program Coordinator.

 

Sponsor a Class

Our Bike Safety Education classes can be sponsored. To find out more, contact Interim Development and Communications Director Eileen Trudeau at eileen@bta4bikes.org or (503) 226-0676 x12.