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Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
"BikeSmart"
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A proven bike-ed program for elementary school children a success in NH
July 2007, Hanover, NH
The NH BikeSmart program brought bicycle safety information to thousands of kids at elementary schools this year. More than 60 bike safety presentations were given by six NH BikeSmart instructors in 28 different schools reaching 3,324 students and 333 adults for a total of 3,657 people in the program's initial year.
Teachers at the schools raved about the NH BikeSmart program. "The short mottos were easy and catchy." "He used real life examples that the kids could relate to." "He was an excellent presenter, who had good rapport with the kids." "She related very well with our students. You could see she was a bike rider, who had first hand knowledge and spoke the kids' language. We hope she can return each year!"
The program received grants from the Byrne Foundation, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and the Mascoma Savings Bank Foundation to develop and initiate a standardized bike safety program in New Hampshire elementary schools. It was conducted in conjunction with the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH, a bicycling and pedestrian organization that is a statewide focal point for related issues including safety and education programs. Other contributing organizations include the NH Department of Health & Human Services, the SafeKids Coalition, and the Safety & Health Council of Northern New England.
The New Hampshire legislature passed a law in 2006 (RSA 264:144X) making it mandatory for kids under the age of 16 to wear helmets when on their bicycles. The NH BikeSmart safety program instructors talked to kids about wearing and fitting helmets, dressing bright and tight, bicycle safety quick check, and some basic rules of the road. The program coordinator, Roger Lohr of Hanover, NH, who was certified as a BikeSmart instructor in the state of Vermont, has given BikeSmart presentations in elementary schools for two years and he transferred the program experience and materials to the New Hampshire program.
A survey conducted by the NH DOT Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Advisory Board showed that 90 percent of the 316 elementary schools in the state are interested in expanding bike safety outreach in the schools. There are about 50,000 third-fifth grade students in New Hampshire's elementary schools and it is expected that NH BikeSmart can reach many students each year.
The NH BikeSmart program also distributed flyers to reinforce the bike safety message with parents. According to the NH Highway Safety Agency, more than 600 children in the nation die from bicycle crashes each year, most only a few blocks from home, and three of four cyclists that are killed in crashes die of head injuries. NH BikeSmart targeted kids in the schools to help spread the safety message and encourage bicyclists and motorists to safely share the roads.
The pilot program as started last year in the Hanover area by Program Coordinator Roger Lohr was well received. Check out the program details and some photos on the next page. Check out the list of 28 schools which participated in this 2006-2007 program.
For more information about this program or to request the presentation in your school district, please contact the program coordinator, Roger Lohr at 877.725.6471 or via email at Lohr21@verizon.net. General inquiries about the Bike-Walk Alliance of NH may be directed to info@bwanh.org or call 603.898.9926.
