What is Safe Routes Philly?
Safe Routes Philly is the youth education and encouragement program of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Safe Routes Philly promotes biking and walking as fun, healthy forms of transportation in Philadelphia Elementary Schools.
What does Safe Routes Philly offer?
Our Community Representatives work with all public elementary schools with 2nd and 5th grades to train, encourage and support teachers to teach their students the Safe Routes Philly pedestrian and bicycle safety lessons.
Is the program available outside of Philadelphia?
Due to our funding source requirements, we work solely within the City of Philadelphia. Schools outside Philadelphia should contact Diana Owens for permission to use our materials.
How can I get your educational materials? Is there a cost?
Our educational materials can be found on our website under the Schools >> Curriculum page. Lessons and activities are free for download to the public. We will provide printed copies of our materials to every public elementary school with 2nd and 5th grade classes in Philadelphia. Our resources allow for two teacher’s guides (complete set of lessons in binder form) per school. In addition to our Professional Development sessions, our Community Representatives will come to your school to provide training and support for teachers interested in bringing our lessons to their students.
How can I get your curriculum in my child’s school?
79 Schools taught the Safe Routes Philly lessons in the 2010-11 School year. The 2011-12 year is off to an even stronger start. Check this page to see if your child’s school has taught the lessons. Please go to our contact information page and contact the Community Representative that works with your school. You can contact your Community Representative by phone or email and they would be happy to work with you.
Will the bicycle lessons be on-bike?
Both the bicycle and pedestrian safety lessons were developed with movement in mind but because schools have limited resources the lessons are not on bike.
Will bikes/helmets be provided?
When Safe Routes Philly hosts bicycle rodeos or encouragement activity events they bring a handful of bikes and helmets for youth participants to borrow who may not have their own equipment. However, it is recommended that children participate in on-bicycle events with their own bicycle and helmet so they can get used to their own equipment.
Is it OK for my child to ride on the sidewalk?
In the City of Philadelphia it is required by law for anyone over the age of 12 operating a pedal-cycle (bicycle, unicycle, tricycle) to ride in the street. A bicycle is considered a legal vehicle and therefore as a legal vehicle we are expected to ride in the street just like cars. Safe Routes Philly lessons help prepare young people for the skills necessary to ride in the street as safely as possible.
Do you teach kids how to ride a bike?
Safe Routes Philly programming applies to children who are biking or who may be biking in the future and need to learn basic bicycle safety skills. Safe Routes Philly does not teach children how to bicycle, but we are a great resource for new bicyclists! Check out our Parents >> Get Involved page for tips on how to teach your child how to ride a bicycle.
My child’s bike is broken. How can I get it fixed without spending a lot of money?
One of the best resources in the city for fixing a bicycle on a budget is Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW). NBW is a non-profit that offers support, classes and tools that empower youth and adults to take an active role in maintaining their own bicycle.
