More Than 2,500 Students Learn Safer Bicycling—and Driving—Skills
The Florida Bicycle Association's pilot program to help schools teach safe bicycling to elementary students and safer driving to high school students has exceeded its initial outreach goals.
Since launching in the Spring, more than 2,500 students at 14 schools have completed the free, online, educational Florida Bicycle Safety Quiz. Additionally, 33 more schools have received copies of the quiz and plan to have thousands of their students participate.
Through the pilot program, Florida Bicycle reimburses schools up to $500 for their staff time to assign and use the lesson, which is structured as an interactive and educational quiz. Most students can complete a lesson in 30 minutes.
"We are wholeheartedly behind the mission of helping more kids bike safely," said Stephanie Garrison, who helped implement the program at her children's school, Lakewood Ranch Preparatory School in Lakewood Ranch, where 450 children completed the lesson.
"The information learned is priceless," said Dr. Cynthia Clay, Principal of Dr. Robert B. Ingram Elementary School in Opa-Locka, where 136 students completed the program before the Summer.
The pilot program is supported by a $10,900 sub-grant from the Florida Dept. of Transportation. The goal of the first year of the program is to educate at least 4,600 students across Florida as part of a broader effort by Florida Bicycle to improve safety on roadways and reduce rates of traffic-related injuries, especially among young people.
Forty-seven schools throughout the state applied for the School Grants for Safer Students program. Nineteen schools located in high-crash and high-injury areas were selected to receive the limited funds. However, the interactive quiz also has been provided to the 28 schools that didn't receive funds, representing thousands more students who will learn safe bicycling practices. The pilot program will conclude in September, at which time its full impact will be assessed.
The pilot program targets elementary students who are learning to bicycle and high school students who are learning to operate motor vehicles.
“Considering that young drivers will be navigating our roads for many years to come, now is the time to help them establish safe driving practices and good attitudes toward people on bicycles,” said Kelly Morphy, Executive Director of the Florida Bicycle Association.
While the pilot program is underway, Florida Bicycle already has applied for an expanded second-year program. Pre-applications are accepted via the Safe Students Grants page and all applicants will be notified if funds are approved. High schools in particular are encouraged to apply.
