DC to start universal bicycle education for 2nd graders

At a recent meeting with the Bicycle Advisory Council's Safety and Education committee chair, Jennifer Halperin, DDOT’s bicycle safety education specialist announced that DCPS, in a partnership with DDOT, will be introducing universal bicycle safety education for 2nd graders.

DDOT will provide bikes for the program and the education curriculum is being developed by DCPS for incorporation into their physical education classes.  In addition, DCPS will be adding balance bikes to their inventory of school playground equipment. 

This program will be in addition to, not in place of, the education services that WABA provides (safe routes to school, bicycle ambassadors and adult education) for DDOT. WABA currently provides bicycle safety education to 3rd graders at some schools, but the new program will cover more students and with a different curriculum. 

This was. coincidentally, one of the subjects discussed - and universally supported - in the District's recent Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Working Group meetings, so it's good to see it happening before the report from that is even out.

In addition, though somewhat unrelated, Halperin said that bicycle repair kits are being placed in Recreation Centers throughout the district by the Department of General Services with the assistance of Gearin’ Up Bicycles.

 

Comments

[Jennifer Hefferan]

I'm wondering if this post is actually trying to refer to me? My name is Jennifer, and I work on this program but my last name is not Halperin. And I'm super excited about these new programs, so thanks for writing about them! I'm DDOT's Safe Routes to School Coordinator and I manage DDOT's ped/bike education program among other responsibilities.

[washcycle]

Jennifer, It must be you. I'll have them update the committee notes with your correct name.

[Jonathan Krall]

This is great to see. Universal bicycle education will be a big step forward for cultural acceptance of bicycling in everyday life. I hope other cities will follow suit.