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Think back to your earliest memories of being active. They probably include learning to ride a bike or going for a bike ride. Unfortunately, not every kid has the opportunity to learn to ride a bike anymore. Adding a bike safety curriculum to Physical Education classes in schools can change that - and be fun for everyone involved!
Teaching kids how to ride bikes in school physical education classes can have numerous benefits for students:
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Improved mental health: Biking can have mental health benefits, as it allows kids to get some time outdoors and away from screens. This can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Enhanced academic performance: Physical activity, like biking, has been shown to improve concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills.
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Foster independence: Teaching kids how to ride bikes c gives them a mode of transportation that they can use to get around on their own.
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Promote physical activity: Biking can help improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and improve coordination and balance.
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Promote environmental sustainability: Biking is a low-carbon mode of transportation. Encouraging kids to use bikes as a means of transportation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
By incorporating biking into physical education class, schools can help promote the benefits of biking to kids and encourage them to use bikes as a means of transportation.
Walk! Bike! Fun! Teacher trainings are available in two parts. Part one is online and part two is available in the spring in person to learn how to lead a group ride safely. There is still time to apply to host a teacher training in your school district!
Need bikes for the training? You can borrow the Bike MN bike fleet or learn more about what it would take to own a bike fleet for your school district. MnSRTS will have funding opportunities opening in March to apply for a bike fleet.
SRTS in the news:
Big investments in Safe Routes to School made in local transportation projects from the Metropolitan Council. Every two years, the Met Council’s Transportation Authority Board allocates federal transportation funds to a variety of proposals, including Safe Routes to School infrastructure projects.
During the past decade, the Twin Cities region has received about $200 million every two years to distribute for transportation investments. Had that amount of funding remained steady, the Met Council would have been able to fund 44 projects across the region. However, with up to $350 million available this cycle from the Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Met Council Transportation Advisory Board was able to grant federal funding to 91 total projects across the region. As a result, 55 cities and all seven metro area counties will benefit. View all funded projects.
In this two-year funding cycle, $25 million was added to the total package of projects for carbon reduction. That gave us the ability to fund all 10 applications for the Safe Routes to School program, instead of four.
Winter Walking Sample Social Media posts
- Looking for a fun and healthy way to spend to change up your commute to school? Go for a winter walk! It's a great way to explore your local neighborhood or take in the stunning scenery of nearby parks and trails. #winterwalking #saferoutestoschool
- It may be cold outside, but the fresh air and crunch of the snow under your boots while winter walking are unbeatable! Bundle up and get outside for some much-needed vitamin D and exercise. #winterwalking #saferoutestoschool
- Don't let the winter blues get you down. Embrace the colder months by going for a stroll in the snow. The natural beauty of the winter landscape is sure to lift your spirits. #winterwalking #saferoutestoschool
- The benefits of walking are endless, and they don't have to stop just because it's winter! Bundle up and get moving – your mind and body will thank you. #winterwalking #healthylifestyle #saferoutestoschool
- There's nothing quite like the fresh, crisp air of a winter walk to clear your mind and boost your mood. So bundle up and take a walk – your winter walk to school adventure awaits! #winterwalking #adventuretime #saferoutestoschool
Upcoming events:
March 2, 10-11 a.m. – MN SRTS Network Call
May 3, 2023 - Bike to School Day
Resources
Order free MN Bike Maps and MN Bicycle Handbooks (English, Spanish, Somali) for your organization’s events!
Walk! Bike! Fun! curriculum, bike fleet trailer request, and future training opportunities.
More about MnSRTS
Visit: http://www.mnsaferoutestoschool.org
Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/MinnesotaSafeRoutestoSchool/
MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all people in their programs, services and activities.
- If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format (such as braille, large print or in a different language) at no cost, please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720. Relay service: 711.
- If you need any another reasonable accommodation to participate (such as seating modification or auxiliary aids), please email your request to Accessibility.DOT@state.mn.us or call 1-833-400-8432. Relay service: 711.
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