Bring bike education to your school this spring

Host a Walk! Bike! Fun! training next spring

Help us spread the joy with children across Minnesota by learning how to ride a bike for fun or transportation in their school curriculum. We are accepting applications for our Spring Walk! Bike! Fun! Educator Training Host Siteuntil Jan. 15, 2024. The training is free and sub-pay can be provided to reduce barriers for attending. Learn more about the Educator Training or view the full curriculum at walkbikefun.org.

The Minnesota Walk! Bike! Fun! Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Curriculum is a modular curriculum designed specifically for Minnesota’s schools education requirements and after-school youth education programs. The curriculum helps children of all abilities from ages 5-13 to learn traffic rules, identifying potential hazards to traveling on foot and on bike, and safety skills needed to bike and walk safely through their community. The curriculum is written with physical education teachers in mind, but may also be taught in Social Studies, Health, and Science classes or in after-school programs.

If you have any questions about the training, implementing the curriculum, or other bike education questions, please reach out to our technical assistance providers at Bike MN via email at angela@bikemn.org

Take our survey to guide our Network Call topics for 2024

Help us plan our topics to support your local work by taking our 10-minute survey. , Also, if you missed any calls, they were recorded and available to watch at your convenience.

Open and Upcoming Grant Opportunities

Fall funding opportunities are opening this month to help you design your projects, fund infrastructure improvements, or apply for a SRTS Coordinator to help implement strategies from your SRTS Plans.

• Fall 2023:
  • SRTS Infrastructure grant
  • TAP infrastructure funding available (Greater Minnesota only)
  • TAP infrastructure funding available (Met Council)
  • Design Assistance grant
• Winter 2024:
  • Planning Assistance grant
  • Boost non-infrastructure grant

Nominations open for MN Bike/Walk Awards

Minnesota is one of the most bicycle-friendly states in the country. Even though we have the hard work of hundreds of individuals and organizations to thank for this, BikeMN strives each year to recognize people who have gone the extra mile to make Minnesota a place where bicycling is easy, safe, and fun for everyone.

MN Bike/Walk Awards are hosted annually with nominations open through the end of the year. We currently are recognizing outstanding groups and bike-friendly people in these award areas:

• Educator of the year (individual)
• Educator of the year (school or organization)
• Advocate of the year (group or individual)
• Bicycle/Walk Friendly Community Champion (individual, group or committee)
• Bicycle/Walk Friendly Business Champion (individual, group or committee)
• Lifetime Service Award

MnSRTS Coordinator rising to a new role

By Dave Cowan

"Change is the only constant," so the saying goes. After an incredible 8-year run as the Safe Routes to School Coordinator at MnDOT, it's time to turn the page and step into a new adventure. My journey at MnDOT has been a rollercoaster of collaboration, innovation, and a relentless drive to make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone.

I've been fortunate to work alongside a dream team of professionals who aren't just passionate but are game changers. Together, we've not only funneled essential funding into communities but also provided the know-how and resources to make those dollars count. The result? Tangible improvements in safety and accessibility for those walking, biking, and rolling. We've also led the charge in reshaping systems, always with an unwavering focus on equity and inclusivity.

As I gear up for this transition to the Safe Routes National Partnership, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact this role has had on both my career and my life. The projects I've spearheaded, the people I've collaborated with and the smiles from students and families have left an indelible mark on me, and I am forever grateful. What a gift! (pic of me rolling an entire birthday party by bike for attention).  Photo: Dave’s last day with Safe Routes was October 26, 2023. SRTS in the news: MnDOT has $12.5 million in grants for Greater Minnesota community projects - Duluth Commissioners discuss Center, Garden intersection - New Ulm Highland Elementary School has received a grant to study Safer Routes to School for Students - Crookston Upcoming events: Dec. 7, 10-11 a.m. – MN SRTS Network Call Share and learn with whose working on SRTS from across Minnesota. To join the Minnesota Safe Routes to School Network and received log in information please email dot@state.mn.us View past recordings and slides Feb. 7, 2024 – Winter Walk to School Day – get registered! May 8, 2024 - Bike to School Day   Resources Check out the web-based Minnesota Bike Map, order free printed MN Bike Maps, and order MN Bicycle Handbooks (English, Spanish, Somali) for your organization’s events! Learn more about the 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 other 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.}