Another integral part of the Safe Routes to School Program is the Pedal Power Squad, an after-school bike program providing students with the tools and the hands on practice to become safe cyclist and encourage biking as a means of transportation as well as recreation. The program is delivered on school grounds and on local neighborhood streets. 

The curriculum is intended for 4th and 5th graders, some whom will have completed the BTA’s in-school Bicycle Safety Education Program. The students who have completed the program have the opportunity to take on a mentoring role for those who are new to the program. There is a seven to one student- teacher ratio in Pedal Power allowing for maximum hands-on practice.

This program is designed to teach children over the age of nine, to ride safely on urban streets and empower them to ride to and from school and to other destinations in their neighborhoods. This is accomplished through extensive on the bike practice, map reading skills, and background information on the rights and responsibilities of being a cyclist.

Pedal Power operates for six weeks, meeting twice a week for one and half- hour sessions. The program concludes on a Saturday with a five hour-long community ride to an exciting neighborhood destination.

The curriculum includes: (download curriculum)

• Rules and responsibilities of being a cyclist
• Bike skills practiced through Bike Safety Rodeos
• Integrating biking into day to day life
• Bicycling as a way to promote physical activity
• Mentoring other cyclist
• Teamwork and self-empowerment activities
• 1-2 hour rides on local neighborhood streets
• Map reading skills
• Maintenance clinics
• Community ride days
• Awards and certificate of completion

In order to make sure that all students receive the maximum amount of bike safety instruction we strongly recommend that Pedal Power students commit to the whole six weeks.

Earn-a-Bike

The earn-a-bike component is available to low-income participants in each of the schools. For students who are encouraged to ride, but that do not have a proper bike or helmet, the earn-a-bike option will provide them the means to continue riding safely.

Students are eligible to earn a bike based on completion of the Pedal Power curriculum and verification of low-income status.

Volunteers

Volunteers can help make this program successful by committing to be an assistant for the six-week duration of a program. It is important to create consistency with the Pedal Power participants by providing a solid volunteer who will be there through their whole learning process.  This is a rewarding volunteer experience for any cycling enthusiast desiring to share their knowledge and passion with budding young cyclist.

For more information about Pedal Power Squad or to volunteer please contact Tom Rousculp, Safe Routes to School Statewide Logisitics Manager, at (503) 226-0676 x20.