The last year was full of learning opportunities for Iowa Safe Routes to School. How we deliver education was dramatically changed due to the uncertainty of the pandemic. All of our outreach came to a halt. That was a bummer because educating kids how to bike and walk safely is pretty fun.
With many schools hesitant to work with us this spring due health guidelines, learning regression and everything else educators are facing, we understand. When the time is right Iowa Safe Routes to School can get back to collaborating with schools.
In the meantime, we are trying something new! The pandemic created new bike riders of all ages during the pandemic. If you don’t believe go try and buy a bike at your favorite local bike shop.
In an effort to reach out to kids and families. This year we will be focusing on family rides. Families that ride together learn together and have fun together. The plan is to visit trailheads throughout the state. Then do a similar education to our bike rodeo program at the trailhead for the entire family. That means, helmets, hand-signals, and some starting & stopping drills to get EVERYONE confident. Then take off on a one to four-mile ride. We get to continue providing a great education to Iowa Kids while also educating the whole family. We think this is a great idea and hope you like it too.
If you want to learn more or collaborate with us, send an email to jared@iowabike.org.