Our organization also received a TE bicycle education contract for $80,000
in 2007, all of which was paid to League certified Cycling Instructors at
either $10, $20 or $25/hour depending upon level of experience and other
funding sources. The instructors supervised our bike
cooperativehttp://car-free.org/bbc/bbc.html during
regular evening and weekend shifts, taught mechanic and road riding classes,
ran educational events and led bike rides.
Although the program resulted in excellent numbers for cyclists exposed to
essentials of confident, comfortable riding in traffic, and our DOT promised
a new contract for the region's bicycle eduction for $200,000, this new
contract hasn't happened. Recent inquiries indicate the funding is still
available, the DOT is considering how to work the Request for Proposal. The
delay seems more a matter of other priorities (spending ARRA funds) than
problems with bicycle education.
I do not think I would rather have spent or plan to spend future similar
contracts on general bicycle education for the public. I do think
commercials about the dangers of driving a bicycle in the door zone, through
red lights, the wrong way on the street or without lights at night are
important. I just feel these would be better produced and marketed with a
national approach. I think the LAB should put together a national campaign.
--
Steve Schmitt
Car Free CAT Director
Coalition for Appropriate Transportation
610.707.2483
director@car-free.org
14 West Raspberry Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
Office phone: 610 954 5744
http://www.car-free.org
On Wed, Jun 2, 2010 at 10:55 PM, Jonathan Morrison <
jonathan@slcbikecollective.org> wrote:
> We did.
>
> >From 2006-2008 UDOT awarded a quarter million to the SLC Bike
> Collective to do a safety campaign pilot. When we started we had 2
> League Cycling Instructors
> (
http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/seminars.php) in Utah
> and when we ended we had nearly 50. Once certified, the LCIs were
> signed up to teach the League's 9 hour Road 1 course (now called
> "Smart Cycling 101") every Saturday during the Spring/Summer/Fall
> pilot months at our Community Bike Shop at a rate of $20 per hour.
>
> The class was free to the public, but we required registration on our
> website and if the numbers were too low we canceled the class. We had
> money, so to recruit attendees we did a big billboard campaign, ran
> ads, handed out fliers, etc.,... The spring months had the most
> attendees. Summer months in Utah are hot, and much like bike sales
> there was a little more interest in the fall, but nothing compared to
> spring. If we had to do that part over again, we won't of made if
> free, as that resulted in many no-shows.
>
> While there were exceptions to the demographics, we were speaking to
> the choir. The folks who took the course loved it, learned a lot even
> if they thought they knew a lot to begin with, and claimed to be
> riding safer after taking the class. So in that regard we viewed it
> as a success.
>
> However...
>
> As cyclists, we have this burning desire to inundate newbies with as
> much bike knowledge as they are willing to stand for. We call them
> "classes" and the cost of that enlightenment per individual is quite
> high due to an instructor, a location, student materials, instructor
> materials, live participants, etc.,...
>
> If we were to do it all over again, I would focus on getting basic
> information out to the masses as opposed to detailed information out
> to a proportionate few. Baby steps. What would that entail? Eye
> catching billboards that each represented one of the Bike League's
> "Need to Knows" or show how to avoid the most statistically common
> accidents (right hook, driveway pull outs, going the wrong way,
> ignoring stop signs/lights, etc.,...).
>
> That way you are educating more people, with the most important
> information. Not to mention you would be able to catch the attention
> of motorists or reckless cyclists that would never voluntarily take a
> class, free or not.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Jonathan Morrison (LCI #1555)
> Executive Director
> Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective
> 2312 S. West Temple
> Salt Lake City, UT 84115
> w: 801-328-2453
> c: 801-688-0183
> f: 801-466-3856
> www.slcbikecollective.org
>
> The mission of the Salt Lake City Bicycle Collective is to promote
> cycling as an effective and sustainable form of transportation and as
> a cornerstone of a cleaner, healthier, and safer society. The Bicycle
> Collective provides refurbished bicycles and educational programs to
> the community, focusing on children and lower income households.
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jun 2, 2010 at 6:52 PM, Sarah Green
sarah.is.green@gmail.com
> wrote:
> > Has anyone received Transportation Enhancement money for educational
> > programs... in this scenario obviously regarding bicycles? I am
> > proposing a program here in Delaware and the guys at DelDOT want to
> > hear from another organization who's received a TE grant for something
> > similar.
> >
> > If you have gotten a TE grant or know an organization who has, please
> > let me know!
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Sarah
> > Urban Bike Project
> > _______________________________________________
>
