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
> _______________________________________________